Kirchner Family

Denice Honshtein - Noel Photography

2011-05-24T15:43:00.000-07:00

Sarah, Ashley, Rylee & Amanda

These were taken by a dear friend of my Denice Honshtein - she brought her girls to play and gave my girls matching swim suits - these were taken last year - I love the friend ships of the youth it is easy going and full of love!

Family Addition

2011-05-24T12:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome Emily Kate Wall -Born 5/24/2011 @ 6:01am - weighing in at 6.11 pounds

Its been a LONG time......

2011-05-24T12:05:00.000-07:00

It has been almost a whole year since I last blogged - lots of reasons - worries, concerns, moving, sickness, and new job. I am going to try to update more often and show the girls growing - I love them so much and am so proud to be their mom. I will be back soon!

Sisters

2010-06-16T07:15:00.000-07:00

I hope my girls remember that no matter how much they fight that they are SISTERS!

A sister may fight with you - but a sister will always stand with you!

Youth Conference 2010

2010-06-13T14:30:00.000-07:00

Hannah Nerdin, Rachel Kirchner, Brenna Adelman

Quincy Adelman & Rachel

Room mates!

Michael Harolds, Jordan Abarca, Quincy Adelman, Irene Sanchez, Simon Jiron, John Guevara, Rachel Kirchner, Parker Phillips & Hannah Nerdin

Austin Phillips, Quincy, John, Parker, Nick, Michael, Jordan, Brenna, Hannah, Rachel & Issac Bancroft

These are just a few of my wonderful youth! I love all of the youth in our ward - they are amazing friends and they take care of each other! Youth Conference - Katy Texas Stake - 2010 - Galveston A&M was a great experience for everyone!

Straight or Curly

2010-06-09T20:28:00.000-07:00

I say curly - Rachel says straight!

For the longest time Rachel would straighten her hair everyday! I would beg her to please leave it curly - but moms just do not know anything! Before the first day of school this year, I talked her into leaving it curly for one day of high school and see what happens..... and what happened was - everyone loved it curly! So, for the most part she wears it curly everyday now - she still straightens it on some days - I have to be very honest - I am so very jealous - I always wanted hair like hers! I must have wished for it so much my first born got it!

Freshman year of basketball

2010-06-08T07:52:00.001-07:00

Rachel's first year in high school was a lot of fun! She went to Mayde Creek High School and she played for the freshman team basketball - this meant a lot of practices, drills and running. She loved every minute of it and made many friends on the team. The whole family enjoyed going to her games, this summer we will be focusing on conditioning and drills to prepare her for next year!

Her team took time out to go to the Rockets game - they had a blast!

Memorial Weekend

2010-06-03T18:55:00.000-07:00

This Memorial Weekend was a lot of fun! We went to Fort Worth and stayed with my parents which is always such a treat!

I was asked to make Kathys Baby Shower Cake - which scared the heck out of me - everyone knows that my mom makes amazing and beautiful cakes - so for her to ask me to make the cake put my nerves in over drive! The design changed several times and my fondant is very yummy but still needs help with drying!

We had a small b-day party for me on Saturday - Cindy and the kids, Kathy and Todd, Mom and Dad and the Honshteins all came to celebrate and enjoy the Sun! Cindy made me the funnest cake I have ever had - it was green and yellow -I loved it!

My Dad & Rylee

2010-06-03T06:21:00.000-07:00

Rylee Graduated Kindergarten!

I am so proud of my girls - Ashley was given a handful of rewards from school (Gold Honor, Outstanding Conduct, & Awesome Artist) and will be in the 3rd grade next year. Kaitlyn did very well in all classes - her struggle was math but she made it thru 7th grade. Rachel finished her first year of seminary and made it thru her freshman year in high school! I couldn't be prouder!

2010-05-17T17:15:00.000-07:00

CROSSFIT GAMES

This past Saturday we had our first ever Crossfit Games!

More thanks than I can ever give goes out to my Crossfit Friends! Jen & Patrick have inspired me, they have given me access to their knowledge and their garage, they both give me great insight and motivation and they teach me correct technique. Elizabeth gives me someone to see how awesome I will look in the very near future - she is always a few steps in front of me - which keeps me going and she always me to complain about the pain! Dallas has been an amazing workout partner - she is strong and steady and is always ready to workout with me. My girls never complain when I need to workout and they always cheer me on! Without these wonderful people I would not have been able to do as good as I did at the games - and so my results:

Event 1:

Rules: Perform each area as many times as you can in 2 minutes - keep count of total reps - when the time keeper say 2 minutes switch to next exercise - each exercise will be done twice!

Wall Ball

Step ups - with 15pd hand weights

Sit ups

Push press - 15pd hand weights

Snatches - 27.5pd bar

Round 1 - 172 reps

Round 2 - 152 reps

Event 2:

Max Bench Press: 85pds

Max Dead Lifts: 185pds

Event 3:

Team event

Thank-you to Jen & Patrick for putting on these games and showing me how very much I have improved - I can't wait to show even more improvement next time!

I need to add here that Elizabeth and I also ran our first 5k together a couple of weeks ago and my time was right around 41 minutes - I am recording these times to see how much better I get in the next 3 months!

Thyroid

2010-04-17T21:40:00.001-07:00

I have many post that I need to go back and work on such as Spring Break and Easter - I just haven't had much time lately!

I had been feeling really sick all the time, super tired, gaining weight even though I was working out, having more and more anxiety attacks, and just feeling like I've had a on going cold. I had no idea what was wrong - WAIT......

After re-reading what I'd typed I realized that had I read those symptoms on another friends blog - I would have to assume that I was pregnant - NO WAY! So get that idea right out of your head! Not Happening!

I finally decided that I had enough, and went to the doctor, the blood work came back and found that my thyroid is acting up - it is Hypo-active - and this starts to explain a lot of things. Like why am I working out and not seeing the results and why is it I fell asleep in the middle of sacrament last week!

Hopefully the medicines will take affect and I will be back to my normal hyper self very soon!

Another one bites the dust...

2010-03-26T16:06:00.000-07:00

and another one down, and another one down, another one bites the dust!

I love that song and this week I have reasons to sing!

First, thanks goes out to all my supportive friends who have given me some amazing advice, I love you and I am listening very carefully!

John and I have made the decision that I need to be home with the kiddos! The date is set and the girls last day of school this year will be my last day at my work. Just as Todd Martin told me, my new formal job title with be MOTHER, I will dedicate my time and energies to this job completely, the hours will be 24/7 with small times out to exercise and rest, I will teach plumbing continuing education on Saturdays, and I will continue to give service to my church and my neighbors. I am excited and scared! Since making the decision I have only had one panic attack, so I am doing great!

Finally, I passed another test this week - Property Maintenance Inspector.

Yes or No - Stay or Go

2010-03-19T16:37:00.000-07:00

I find myself constantly questioning what I should be doing with my life and for the 1st time I am going to go to my blog friends to ask advice.

Ok - it all comes down to this - Should I stay home and be with the kids or work? Should we move to Fort Worth or stay in Houston?

Now wait a minute.... I know that all my Fort Worth friends will say move back to Fort Worth and all my Houston friends will say stay here.

I really need to get my thoughts down so here goes some very serious ramblings......

I feel a very strong need to be home with my kids at this time, I know that I have always worked and I have always enjoyed my work. But, my kids really need me and I need to be there for them in the mornings and when they come home from school. I feel extremely guilty that this pressure in my heart to stay home has appeared after all my kids have already started school. Doesn't most moms stay home while their kids are little and then go to work when they are in school? I am a little backwards - does this make me crazy? And I promise you, I have been trying to ignore this desire to stay home for about a year now and I just can't seem to ignore it any longer. (the reasons could go on and on and on)

So it sounds like decision made.... NO - I am scared to death! What if we can't make it on one salary? What if I spend too much money or get bored or jealous of John for working or feel that I am not accomplishing much (remember that all my girls are in school all day) what if I get lazy and what if I am a terrible housewife and what if I hate it or John thinks I am now lazy and not doing much? The "what ifs" could keep going.

Then there is the decision of where to live - John has a great job (thanks to Metro Code) in Fort Worth - we can not find a job as good or the same pay in Houston and we have been looking for him for over a year. He doesn't mind driving back in forth temporarily but feels like the kids are growing up without him. My mom and dad are letting him stay at their house during the week and I know they would like to have their house back to themselves again sometime. Although - I fear my personal pull to go back to my love of Metro Code, which brings on a whole different problem.

I do love the family business, I love Metro Code with all my heart, I grew up and learned so much there. But, I was never good at just doing the job and not taking it home, I lived there mentally at all times and did not know how to turn the switch off. I was ignoring my family, my church and myself, I did not realize that until after I left. When I left I could not tell you why I had to go, I just did. Over the past 2 years I have learned a lot more, 1st I was very lucky to have a job where everyone loved me and I loved them. I was lucky to have the position I did, I had great clients, staff and family and regardless of how much the City drove me crazy I loved the challenges they gave me. I love CODE, I love Inspections and I love problem solving. I miss public speaking and the debate, I miss the problem solving. Most of all I miss my close family relationships, and the staff.

In saying all of this - I realize that I have a strong fear of going back to Fort Worth - I fear being so close to Metro Code that I will want to be back where I once was (not that they will take me :) ) where I am ALL Metro Code and I forget about my family, church and myself. This is a personal problem that I had and I realize it and do not want it to happen again.

In Houston right now we love our neighbors and our church family, I love my calling and my friends. I HATE moving, I do not want to move the girls again, Rachel is in High School its just not fair to her. But, I miss being so close to my mom and my sisters (my baby sister is pregnant with her first child and I don't want to miss this great time with her). We love our family and they are mostly all in Fort Worth and Arlington we want to be near them.

Lastly, I feel like I have made some bad decisions in the past (the move to El Paso) and I don't want to make this huge decision (to move or not to move - to work or not to work) without full knowledge that I am making the BEST decision.

Ok - Now that I have rambled on and on and most likely made no sense - I want to apologize if I offended anyone in this text - I just wanted to honestly state my feelings and see if anyone has any thoughts for me or will make this decision for me, please???

John and I will keep pondering - and we will be fasting - and we need to be on our knees in prayer lots more, I know! But.... I am so scared to make these decisions and say that we have made the final decision, and I know that I am confusing everyone around me - so this is my way of explaining.

Where we are leaning right now..... I need stop working by the time the kids get out of school for the summer........and Fort Worth is calling to us to return this summer. If this is the right decision - why am I so sad and scared? UGH!

City Council Recognition

2010-03-04T05:57:00.000-08:00

Over the years I have been able to certify in many areas of my trade as a building inspector. When I first started working with my father we contracted for a small town near Fort Worth. I did all the code enforcement inspections and citations for the city. During that time the Fire Marshal wanted to take over the code enforcement division, which began a small friendly war between the two of us. The war was who could get their code enforcement officer license first. Since he worked for the city he was able to take the code enforcement 36 hour class that took him away from work for a week. I could not, so I just signed up for the test and took it. I passed with flying colors the problem was they would not recognize me without taking the class. It was a mistake on their part to allow me to take the test without the class credits first. They never thought someone would try to take the test without the class... So many years later - I still never found the time to take the class. I mean seriously my thought was WHY... Why should I take a class for something I already knew.

Then I started working for the City of Rosenberg last year. Normally, they require that the building inspectors have code enforcement license, but with my other certifications and licenses they did not require this of me. I just felt like I should finish something that I started so long ago. The rules had changed, there was a lengthy application to fill out for the State of Texas to approve you, the 36 hour course, and then finally the test. I am very excited to say that the class was a lot of fun and I learned a lot (who would have known - lol) and a week later I passed the test. Now the test was a 2 hour, 55 question test - I took the test in 20 minutes - it was truly the easiest test I've ever taken.

Then the surprise - the City of Rosenberg awarded me with a Certificate of Recognition the past Tuesday night at City Council and my whole department came out to support me. Johanna Garcia is our permit technician and she decided to be the first permit clerk in Rosenberg to take her Permit Technician Test and she passed as well and they recognized her also. She is standing with me and the Mayor of Rosenberg with our Department Manager Lt Wayne Jory. I had the girls go to see what City Council was like and to see me get the certificate, it was a good night.

Special Brownies

2010-02-25T07:24:00.001-08:00

A father of some teenage children had the family rule that they could not attend PG-13 or R rated movies. His three teens wanted to see a particular popular movie that was playing at local theaters. It was rated PG-13.
The teens interviewed friends and even some members of their family's church to find out what was offensive in the movie. The teens made a list of pros and cons about the movie to use to convince their dad that they should be allowed to see it. The con's were that it contained ONLY 3 swear words, the ONLY violence was a building exploding (and you see that on TV all the time they said), and you actually did not "see" the couple in the movie having sex - it was just implied sex, off camera. The pros were that it was a popular movie - a block buster. Everyone was seeing it. If the teens saw the movie then they would not feel left out when their friends discussed it. The movie contained a good story and plot. It had some great adventure and suspense in it. There were some fantastic special effects in this movie. The movie's stars were some of the most talented actors in Hollywood. It probably would be nominated for several awards.
Many of the members of their Christian church had even seen the movie and said it wasn't "very bad". Therefore, since there were more pros than cons the teens said they were asking their father to reconsider his position on just this ONE movie and let them have permission to go see it.
The father looked at the list and thought for a few minutes. He said he could tell his children had spent some time and thought on this request. He asked if he could have a day to think about it before making his decision. The teens were thrilled thinking; "Now we've got him! Our argument is too good! Dad can't turn us down!" So, they happily agreed to let him have a day to think about their request.
The next evening the father called in his three teenagers, who were smiling smugly, into the living room. There on the coffee table he had a plate of brownies. The teens were puzzled. The father told his children he had thought about their request and had decided that if they would eat a brownie then he would let them go to the movie. But just like the movie, the brownies had pros and cons.
The pros were that they were made with the finest chocolate and other good ingredients. They had the added special effect of yummy walnuts in them. The brownies were moist and fresh with wonderful chocolate frosting on top. He had made these fantastic brownies using an award-winning recipe. And best of all, the brownies had been made lovingly by the hand of their own father.
The brownies only had one con. The father had included a little bit of a special ingredient. The brownies also contained just a little bit of dog poop. But he had mixed the dough well - they probably would not even be able to taste the dog poop and he had baked it at 350 degrees so any bacteria or germs from the dog poop had probably been destroyed.
Therefore, if any of his children could stand to eat the brownies which included just a "little bit of crap" and not be effected by it, then he knew they would also be able to see the movie with "just a little bit of smut" and not be effected.
Of course, none of the teens would eat the brownies and the smug smiles had left their faces. Only Dad was smiling smugly as they left the room.
Now when his teenagers ask permission to do something he is opposed to the father just asks, "Would you like me to whip up a batch of my special brownies?"

Better Mood Enhancement than chocolate, alcohol, or music

2010-02-22T13:01:00.000-08:00

Can there be such a thing???
Yes!
The next time you need a mood boost, forget chocolate. Forget the wine and mood music, too. Because researchers have discovered something else that works even better. And best of all, it’s calorie-free, doesn’t require exercise, and can be done almost anywhere. What is it? Looking at personal photos.

Researchers at the United Kingdom’s Open University examined how much people’s mood rose after eating chocolate, sipping an alcoholic drink, watching TV, listening to music, or looking at photos.

They found that the music and chocolate left people’s moods unchanged. Alcohol and TV gave a slight lift. But the winner by a long shot was viewing personal photos, which made people feel significantly better.

So next time you feel down in the dumps, pull out the photo albums. Or, if you’re technologically minded, you can load your favorite photos onto a digital viewer that you can take with you anywhere you go.

Feeding our Families

2010-02-10T05:58:00.000-08:00

Our family is very large and we all enjoy eating! Lately we have been trying to share recipes and decided that we needed ONE place to go to get these recipes - so we have started our newest BLOG - with several families sharing ideas it should be full in no time! If you have any great recipes for us - send them to my email at michelle.kirchner@yahoo.com and we will make sure you are recognized for sharing!

www.feedingourfamilies.blogspot.com

Lady Bug

2010-01-27T11:20:00.000-08:00

I made this cake for a friend who is having a baby girl and we planned a baby shower at the office for her. I think I did ok - but I still have to work on my centering I tend to be a little crooked. Perfection might not ever be MY style... oh well!

Be Strong & of a Good Courage

2010-01-23T05:55:00.000-08:00

Book Mark Created by Jill at: http://jillsldsyw.blogspot.com

This years Young Women & Young Men theme is truly inspired.

I am so privileged to work with the youth of our church. I was talking to the girls the other day and I realized that when I was a young women my leaders told us that we were chosen for this time, this dispensation. They taught us that we were chosen for this time due to our great strength, that the world in my day was going to be tough and we needed to rely on the Lord for help to make it back to him. Looking at these wonderful youth of today and at first I think - my time wasn't near as hard of a road as they have it. We didn't have cell phones, the Internet, facebook, text messaging, or any of these amazing gadgets that occupy our youths lives. All of a sudden I realize that I was born in my time, to help raise my youth of today that they can grow and learn to find their savior in a world that seems to go at warp speed. Which makes me realize that I need to be stronger and have more courage as well.

Parents - we need to realize that this years theme for the Young Women and Young Men is for US also - if the youth see us working on our Strength and Courage then it will make it easier for them to have Strength and Courage.

So I am making it my goal that I will work harder to read my scriptures, fast and pray, give service, and grow closer to the Lord - by doing these things I know that my Strength and Courage will be stronger and that the Lord will be with me withersoever I go.

15 years old

2010-01-18T06:54:00.000-08:00

Rachel is 15! I have really enjoyed sitting back and watch this wonderful kid turning into an amazing teen. This year she has found her love for books - but only for vampire books - at the beginning of the year I would not allow her to read one without me reading it first - but I now know that even thought the books are about vampires - they are very age appropriate and I am glad to see her reading. She worked really hard on her basketball skills this year and she has improved - she really enjoys being on the basketball team. She has transitioned to high school with no problems. She has been very good at getting up early and attending Seminary. She enjoys babysitting and earning her own money. She is driving me crazy to be able to get her learners permit - I just can't seem to get it in my brain that she is old enough to drive and it scares me to death! I guess I will have to work on this fear and anxiety, because she is ready - watch out Houston - you might be seeing Rachel at the wheel and me with my hands over my eyes in the next few months!

Oh yes and for her birthday this year she finally got her braces off and she looks amazing! I will have to get her to smile for me soon so I can show off what my money has done for me lately! lol

Interview with the Bishop

2010-01-18T06:35:00.000-08:00

Kailtyn recently did an interview with our Bishop - I think she did a great job with the questions she asked him - she felt like she learned a lot about him - you can read the interview at www.westlakewardyw.blogspot.com

Christmas Mess

2009-12-22T08:10:00.000-08:00

We went out for a drive the other night and were admiring all the christmas lights in our neighborhood. As we passed by a huge display of christmas lights Rylee exclaimed "That's just a big old christmas mess" and was she right. We appreciate everyone spending their christmas money on their light bill just for us to enjoy and I will not be posting a picture so that I will not offend a neighbor.

Super Easy Crockpot Peanut Cluster

2009-12-21T14:54:00.000-08:00

This is one of the easiest reciepes I have ever made!

16 oz dry roasted peanuts salted
16 oz dry roasted peanuts unsalted
1 package semi sweet choc chips
1 4 oz bar German Chocolate
1 Package Almond Bark

Put all ingredients in a large crockpot and cook 3 hours on low. Do not remove lid to peek! Turn off and let cool for 15 minutes. Mix well and drop by tsp full on wax paper. This makes a lot!!!

Cool and enjoy!

Moms Famous Spinach

2009-12-21T14:34:00.000-08:00

In a frying pan mix together
1 stick of butter
1/2 a red onion
8oz fresh mushrooms
handful of frozen corn
small jar of pimentos

Saute slowly

Add: 2lbs of frozen spinach (or fresh spinach)

Cover and let it cook down (stirring occasionally)

Add: 1tsp salt & 1tsp pepper, 1 package of cream cheese, 6 strips of cooked bacon

Stir - until cream cheese is melted then put in a baking pan add shredded cheddar to the top and bake at 350 until cheese is melted

**** My mom made this recipe after eating at a restaurant called "Abeulo's" and fell in love with their side spinach dish - this is her re-creation... and it is wonderful!

Kaitlyn turns 13

2009-12-21T14:09:00.000-08:00

This post is a week late but very much needed. Kaitlyn Nicole Kirchner turned 13 on December 14th - Yes that makes 2 teenagers in our house now. Kaitlyn was such a wonderful baby, rarely cried and always had a smile for everyone. She loved to be held and she was so little and cute.... now 13 years later.... I have this beautiful, high energy girl that seems to always be making me either laugh or cry. She is an amazing artist, she can draw and she has such musical talent it is amazing since nether one of her parents are talented in these areas. She never takes the answer "No" and she always asks "Why". We are so much a like in so many ways that it seems we bump heads more than I like to. I hope that she knows that we want the very best for her and that we love her very much. I am so proud to be her mother and I want her to stay my little girl for as long as possible. She struggled while we were in El Paso and I think she is settling into Houston so much better.

Sarah Macy Honshtein

2009-12-06T14:47:00.000-08:00

We went right back to Fort Worth this past weekend, for Sarah's Baptism. We were so glad to be there - Ashley and Sarah have been best friends since they were born. We love the Honshtein Family so much and are so thankful to be able to call them friends!

2009-12-04T07:50:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving, Baptism, & Blessing

2009-11-30T16:12:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving we left for Fort Worth very late on Wed evening. Thanksgiving day was wonderful, with lots of food and fun we really had a great time. My mom always makes the most amazing amount of yummy food and there is something for everyone to do. Some kids played in the toy closet, some watched tv, several play a game while several others stand around the kitchen munching! I will be posting several of my favorite foods from her house for you later!

All my girls were very excited to meet for the first time both Payten and Layten Killebrew they are the cutest babies and the girls and I had a great time loving on them!

Friday instead of going shopping like most of America the day after Thanksgiving, we had the opportunity to see Ethan Wall be baptised. He was baptised with his cousin Scotty Wall and another one of their friends named Thomas. After the baptism we went to the Woodland Springs Park and the kids played together and we all enjoyed a nice lunch. I am so proud of Ethan!

I went to visit my sisters new store "Real Deals" it truly had really good deals on clocks and mirrors and cute things to put on the walls. I will have to visit again when I have some extra spending money. If you live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area - check out "Real Deals" off of Denton Hwy the owners are very creative!

The day seemed to fly by so fast - that evening Adam and Cindy invited us and the Walls to see the Fort Worth Christmas Parade and WOW - the parade had over 75 entries - and at the end of the parade we saw Santa Claus and Mrs Claus. On the way home the girls all feel asleep!

Saturday morning my mother and I got up early we had decorating to do - Thanksgiving had to be put away and Christmas brought out! We also started baking we made pecan sandies, martha washington chocolates, toffee, sugar cookies, and peanut butter kisses. We got some sewing done, see I am not sure of my sewing skills, I need my moms help and she is amazing. While we were doing all of that; John took the girls to Adam and Cindy's house for the 1st Annual Cousin Pancake Breakfast (I heard it turned out great - the kids had a great time and the food was good). Then they went to visit John's sisters (I was sad I missed them) and of course Michael DeWolf. I need to stop here and say how very much the girls love Michael, he is so sweet to them and teases them just a little that it makes them giggle non stop when he is around.

Saturday Evening we began to help around my moms house. We always try to do a little service around the house when we come to stay. I do not want the kids to take advantage of momo's house or her generosity. John mowed the yard (which made him very happy to ride the lawn mower), Kaitlyn blew the leaves everywhere, Rylee and Ashley swept all the concrete and porches and played with Mario, and Rachel cleaned out the toy closet.

At dinner we all sat down and had a great discussion about the Jonas Brothers and whether my girls really knew anything about them. All of sudden Rylee smiled really big and pushed one of her bottom tooth out and back in - it was really weird. That did it - the tooth had to be pulled - so of course - my mom asked her to show her what she did one more time and out came the tooth and what did we know but the tooth right next to it was also very loose and she pulled it out really quick too! Rylee was fine for a minute - then started to cry - 5 minutes later she was fine singing with my dad - My dad would start with "All I want for Christmas is my....." and he would point at Rylee and she would sing "my 2 front teeth, my 2 front teeth". I have to say that the tooth fairy in Aledo Texas is way more rich than the one in Houston - some how the tooth fairy left 2 five dollar bills - one for each tooth. (You try arguing with a tooth fairy - it isn't easy and never fun - so I gave in - what could I do!)

Sunday morning we went to the Chapel Creek Ward and we saw Layten Killebrew get blessed. Adam did a great job on the blessing and we were able to see lots of friends we hadn't seen in a long time.

Sunday afternoon was the Annual Killebrew Christmas Party. My parents have 6 kids that are all married and 15 grandkids and we want everyone at our party, which can be hard to achieve. So this year it was a little early - but everyone was there that is what counts! We always do a themed gift and we each get to choose a gift and open it, if we want we can switch with someone else. It is always a lot of fun, this year CarieAnn came up with the theme "A few of my favorite things". To add to the fun, when you chose a gift and opened it you were supposed to figure out who bought it. Some people were easy and others were harder.

Before we left for home our van was overloaded with wrapped gifts for Christmas from my parents, a frozen ham and a frozen turkey, and lots of other extra food. Adam gave us about 20 pounds of frozen meat from a cow that he slaughtered. I cannot even explain how full the van was, we could not have placed anything extra in there.

I am so thankful for a huge loving family, we all have our quirks and problems, we all make mistakes, but at the end of the day all I can ask is that we love each other unconditionally. I am thankful for parents that have been able to help us when we needed it the most. When I was little we were very poor and my parents could not go to their families for help, everyone was struggling. I am thankful for Metro Code and all that the company has done for my family. I am very blessed and very thankful starting this Christmas season.

New Moon

2009-11-21T16:32:00.000-08:00

In my house you cannot go 24 hours without seeing or hearing something about "Twilight" anyone that does not know what "Twilight" is - must not have a teenage girl and her mom! I had heard about this great book and decided to read it myself, after I read the first book I begged Rachel to read it. She had never read a whole book for fun, it was 2 weeks before Twilight came out in the movies and she still hadn't read the book so I gave her a challenge. If she read the whole book before the movie came out, I would take her out of school the day the movie came out and take her to see it. The challenge worked - she read the whole book. From then on Rachel has loved Vampires - she now has a whole collection of Vampire books and she reads all the time. Kaitlyn being the opposite of Rachel has chosen to love wolves (since Rachel loves vampires - that only makes sense).

Several weeks ago I got a crazy idea from Rachel and Kaitlyn and ran with it. I bought "New Moon" tickets for the midnight opening show! We went with Paige and Maria Torbit. Maria and I are not night owls - thankfully we had each other to keep us awake. We all loved the movie! There were some "cheesy" parts to it, but compared to the 1st movie it was so much better. There was more humor and the movie wasn't slow, the wolves were amazingly real. It was great - Rachel has a count down already for the next movie in the series "Eclipse". Although, I do not wish to go to another midnight movie - I was so tired the next day it was unreal!

Rylee turns 6

2009-11-21T16:22:00.000-08:00

It is very scary to realize that my baby has turned 6... I have to stop and realize I am getting older too! There is so much I can say about this girl, she has the best smile and everyone notices her huge blue eyes - she has brown curly hair that she loves to have styled. She is a great friend to everyone she sees. She is silly and funny and you never know what she is going to say next. I am very thankful for this sweet spirit that I have been given to raise. I love you Rylee!

Very Busy

2009-11-15T05:00:00.000-08:00

It seems the busier I get the better organized I am and lately its been very busy. I am not complaining actually I am enjoying every minute of it! I had Friday off of work due to a class for work that I had to take on Saturday (more on the class in a few). My friend Tambra was in Austin visiting her daughter so I was very bad and took Rylee and Ashley to Austin with me. We had a great time going for a long walk along a river and park, watching the kids play while we were able to talk. Tambra is so smart and amazing - she always has such great advice that I feel like I come a little short when she needs advice. She made an amazing salad that I promise when I get the recipe from her I will be posting the "how to".

Around 3pm we took off and ran back to Houston - the YM & YW had a Drive in theatre night - we had a really great time. They saw "forever strong" and we had an amazing concession stand. The goal was to have everyone bring a friend and for entertainment we asked them to make their own cars for the drive in. The creativity in our ward is amazing! Rylee and Ashley had fun serving the popcorn, Kaitlyn wanted me to make her box car (of course I refused) so she just had an invisible one. John went to Rachels first basketball game - which her team won - she got to the church there late but just in time to say hi to everyone! I promise to be at the very next game!

Saturday, John and I sat thru at Continuing Ed Class for our Plumbing Inspectors License. I keep a running time frame of how much longer we had. But in all fairness the instructor was really good. Then we had a "girls night out" we went to a place I had never been called "9ers" they had really good hamburgers and they were huge! Thank-fully I had Sister Orten share with me so I only spent $3.00 which was perfect for my budget! I needed that time away talking to other moms with the same issues and concerns I have with the kids, school, teenagers, housework and working.

I gotta run today is ward conference at church, Rylee and Ashley are already fighting this morning, I hear Kaitlyn looking for breakfast and I can't wake up Rachel, as always very busy!

I guess instead of eating the candy - Kaitlyn decided to be creative

Way to go Rachel!

Kaitlyn driving in reverse in her invisible car

Ashley and Rylee serving the popcorn

I Love Turkey

2009-11-12T14:13:00.001-08:00

Decorating Fun

2009-11-10T03:45:00.001-08:00

The girls and I have a lot of fun when we get to decorate. My mom gave me some flowers with fall colors and we had a really great time working on a wreath together - they were so excited to get started they refused to get dressed. The SunFlower is a cake that I made for a friend of mine at work - the best part of decorating cakes is my girls - they love to stand on the kitchen chairs and offer up advice - and they do a lot of taste testing! They are always so positive and reassuring even when I am not happy with the results. I always find things that I could have done better. Not them - they think each one is the best cake I've ever done! (Looking at these pics I realize that they all need haircuts)

I found this poem - I just needed it

2009-11-07T05:47:00.000-08:00

More Than A Day

As Thanksgiving Day rolls around,
It brings up some facts, quite profound.
We may think that we're poor,
Feel like bums, insecure,
But in truth, our riches astound.
We have friends and family we love;
We have guidance from heaven above.
We have so much more
Than they sell in a store,
We're wealthy, when push comes to shove.
So add up your blessings, I say;
Make Thanksgiving last more than a day.
Enjoy what you've got;
Realize it's a lot,
And you'll make all your cares go away.
By Karl Fuchs

Halloween Fun!

2009-11-01T16:37:00.000-08:00

I love Halloween - it is a time for kids and adults to play dress up and get to pretend. This year we went to the church for a full evening - starting with the chili cookoff, then a carnival and trunk & treating. We had a great time!

Kaitlyn as a punk rocker

Rachel and her friend Lizethe as themselves

Rylee, John & Ashley (Rylee as candy corn and Ashley as Selena Gomez)

My Ghost Cake

I've been blessed

2009-10-28T03:07:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I went to Fort Worth all by myself for 2 days. It was Fort Bend County Day at work and all city employees got the day off on a Friday. Friday morning I was off to Fort Worth. It was so much fun! First Stop - Adam and Cindy's house to visit the newest addition to our family - Layton Killebrew - I LOVE babies but he is the cuties thing I have ever seen! I held him almost all day and then it was off to my moms house.

My dad was on a scouting trip so Mom and I had the house to ourselves which never happens. We decided to spend Sat morning working on floral decorations for her house.

After working on the floral decorations we hopped into my car and ran some errands for her. I had no idea that when we got to SAMS her plan was to stock up on groceries that were none perishables for my family. I don't like to talk much about the trials in our life, so I know I haven't mentioned that John lost his job a little of 4 weeks ago and he is struggling to find a new one. There isn't even applications to fill out or interviews to go on - there is just nothing out there right now. It was the neatest thing she could do - I was overwhelmed with joy - I couldn't wait for the girls to see all the great stuff she got us!

Then after shopping we went back to her house to change clothes and get ready for the Womens General Broadcast. Before we got to the church we went to dinner with Cindys mom and her little sister Michelle, and Kat my little sister.

Cindy and baby Layton

Kat & baby Layton

After the conference I started for home because the next day on fast Sunday it was to be announced that I would be then new Young Womens President.

I am so excited to be our wards Young Womens President. I have been praying daily that I can do a good job and serve these great Young Women well. I hope I can be as good as the leaders that taught me because they were amazing. I love the Young Womens program, I know that these girls truly daughters of our heavenly father and he loves them so very much. I know that these times are hard and that these girls have been chosen to come at this time because of their strength. My heart is full of happiness and love I do not know how to even try to explain.

I have truly been blessed lately!

New Rain Gear for Work

2009-10-08T06:59:00.000-07:00

ALL I wanted was a rain jacket for work, so I made a production out of how much I needed one at work. I mean really, I'm outside 6 hours a day for work and we are in HOUSTON, for crying out loud. So I got my wish. Only, not really, the only approved store was the Tractor Supply Store. They didn't have anything except MEN's gear - and the only colors were yellow, ugly green, or lime green and they all came with pants! I took a deep breath and bought the yellow rain gear. When I got back to the office and showed off what I had bought - everyone began to laugh. Rose (our awesome code enforcement officer) insisted that I try the whole outfit on and then she pulled out the camera! Needless to say I will not be asking for anything for a very long time!

Layton Killebrew

2009-09-22T10:55:00.001-07:00

Layton Killebrew was born yesterday afternoon - 7 pounds - 19 inches long - Congratulations Adam & Cindy - I can't wait to meet the little guy!

School can wear my kids out!

2009-09-12T16:27:00.001-07:00

Ashley's Baptism & Birthday Party

2009-09-07T10:41:00.000-07:00

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August 22nd Ashley Paige Kirchner turned 8 years old - in our church when someone turns 8 years old they are old enough to choose for themselves if they are ready to be baptised. Ashley met with the Bishop and choose to be baptiszed on September 5. My mom made the baptism dress for Rachel all of my girls will be able to wear this special dress that is all white. When you are baptised you wash away all of your past sins. After the baptism you are confirmed a member of our church. We were so happy to see so many family members be able to come to Houston for this special time. The Honshtein Family, Aunt Carieann and the boys, Aunt Kathy, Momo & Pappa, Johns sisters Aunt Patty, Aunt Paula & Aunt Barbara, & Aunt Cindy & Todd.

The Kirchner and Wall kids!

There were many family members that could not come and we really missed them but we understand that several people could not get away, Adam and Reagan were sick, and Uncle Todd had to work.

After the baptism we went to Mary Jo Peckham park for hot dogs and fun. Ashley wanted her party to be in purple and she wanted a musical note for a cake and so I worried for weeks on how to pull it off, in the end she loved it.

Thank-you, Thank-you, to all of our friends and family that came to the baptism and the party!

Girls Camp

2009-09-07T10:14:00.000-07:00

I had the privilege of being able to be Girls Camp Director again this year - it is my absolute favorite calling in church! This was Kaitlyns first year and I really enjoyed being there with her - we had so much fun! The camp was in Conroe - it was a Girls Scout Camp and was beautiful - Rachel had the opportunity to hang out with the older girls and really was able to make some new friends. Our stake had some really great ideas that made camp even better than I have even seen. First - they had the 1st thru 3rd year girls sleep as a ward the 4th, 5th, and 6th year girls all slept with girls in their year groups. Then one night they had the Singing Tree which was where every ward choose a song and then sat as a ward in groups - each ward took a turn and turned on their flashlights, stood up and sang their song - it was really awesome! The last night was Bishop night - each ward had their Bishop come up to camp and we found a quiet place to sit and have Family Home Evening with the Bishop being in charge. After the lesson the girls were given the opportunity to bare their testimony - we had a total of 13 girls so it was sweet and personal, not too long and just perfect. We had a great week!

August 24th First Day of School

2009-09-07T09:48:00.000-07:00

My baby is in Kindergarten - I will not cry (where other people can see me)

Ashley - is in 2nd grade

Kaitlyn - is in 7th grade

Rachel - IS A FRESHMAN IN HIGH SCHOOL (I am Sooo old) Still not crying!

This is how our mornings work now - Rachel and I get up at 5am - she is at Seminary at 6am - I

make sure Kaitlyn is on the bus at 6:40 and run to pick up Rachel from Seminary at 6:50 - Drop her off behind the school at the athletics entrance so she can get ready for basketball practice at 7:30. John has to get Ashley and Rylee on the bus at 7:50 while I am on my way to work!

This is what my mornings will look like for the next 6 years then I get a small break before Ashley gets into High school!

(It was a foggy day so the pictures had some issues)

Where did the summer go?

2009-09-07T09:26:00.000-07:00

I 'm not sure what happened to the summer - with me working full time again it just seemed to fly by! The girls went to the community pool at least 4 days a week, we went to Fort Worth for July 4th, we saw the circus and the girls stole the camera several times. I received some very funny pictures from the girls taking my camera but I also lost the pictures of them at the circus. I was very angry - for a while - but when you get pictures like the ones below - you don't stay mad for long!

Rylee's new hair style created by Julia Ortiz

Rylee showing everyone how to look so sweet Daddy will buy her a sno cone.

Ashley loves to Karaoke

Rylee and Julia painting at the kitchen table

There are more pictures that I can not post - Kaitlyn looking "sexy" - and then they found it funny to take pictures of Rachel when she was walking to her room in a towel. The girls found these very funny - Rachel did not!

Yikes - I haven't blogged about my new job!

2009-09-07T09:14:00.000-07:00

I have several updates to blog so on this great Labor Day Monday - I plan to do some serious catching up! Reporting back from a blog sometime ago - I did get the job offer to work at the City of Rosenberg, I applied for Building Plans Examiner and received the job as Building Inspector. I am the primary inspector for the city if I am overloaded then I can get help from several different people. Currently we have several subdivisions under construction for residential and we have some nice sized commercial construction sites, then there is the typical remodels, additions and pools that are under construction as well. I really like my job the people I get to work with are great and I am having a lot of fun! At 5pm I get to go home and for the most part I dont have to worry about work! The funny part for me is to meet a new contractor on a job site - in Fort Worth for the most part everyone knew me or knew of me and I had gotten away from the "There is a girl inspector!" shock from the builders. But here in the small town outside of Houston, I get the response on a weekly basis.

This past month

2009-06-02T17:24:00.000-07:00

Has FLOWN by sooo fast - with so much going on and no time to sit down and blog.. so here goes! Mothers Day was AWESOME! The girls brought home beautiful flowers I also got singing cards that were so cute, Rylees card sang "put the lime in the coconut and shake it all up" as soon as the card started to sing Rylee broke out in a dance that made me laugh so hard, which just made her dance even more.

For the life of me I can't remember the exact date but one night this past month - we woke up to major storms and flooding. In the morning we found that we could not get out of our driveway due to flooding and the schools closed. The schools stayed closed for 2 days and we got to stay home and play. Rylee, Kaitlyn and I decided to take a walk to the park, when we got there we realized that the park was flooded. I started to tell them that they couldn't get into the water - I took a call on my cell and of course they pretended to not here me - so I went with the flow and took some cute pictures of them playing the water.

For Memorial Day weekend we ran to Fort Worth, we had so many friends and family that we wanted to see, but the weekend went so fast and we didn't get to see very many people at all. I am so sorry to all of our friends and family that we missed, we love you all and we will be back again very soon and make sure to see everyone!

First was Todd Killebrews 5yr old Birthday and we had a great party in the pool for him!

Rylee eating a strawberry Todd & Momo

Kaitlyn Rachel

Ashley eating watermelon Mario & Reagan (Shes SOO Cute)

I was telling my mom about how much Rylee was begging to go to a farm and Milk a Cow - for the past few months she won't leave me alone about the idea. My mom is so smart and she suprised the girls with a visit to a wonderful couple in her ward who has 4 week old baby goats and 2 mommy goats. We all got to feed the babys and to milk the mommys. We all fell in love the baby goats they were so cute! I can't forget the Llama! Ashley didn't want anything to do with the mommy goats until we all had a turn milking and she realized that they wouldn't hurt her. Rylee now wants a goat! She was an amazing little helper! The couple was so sweet and patient with all of our questions, they had an amazing place, the girls learned so much and they are so artistic and fun we could have stayed there for a very long time. I can't remember their names - but THANK-YOU so much to both of them and Momo - this was a weekend we won't forget!

I also received several gifts for my birthday, from my mom I received a skirt and 2 shirts for Sunday, and 8 brand new white bath towels that she added a ribbon that said "it all comes out in the wash". It meant a lot to me because that was my saying - I had it in the big house in Keller in the laundry room in orange letters above the door. It all comes out in the wash - I just love that saying it makes me realize that mistakes happen and can be forgiven - I just love it! Then Cindy Killebrew gave me a new kitchen apron - it was purple with cupcakes on it - she made it herself - it made me cry - that she took the time to make me something for my birthday and she didn't even have to remember it. She is an amazing person - I love her very much! We don't have much money right now things are really tight so my birthday gifts meant a LOT to me!

The day after Memorial day was my birthday and I was off to my first day at my new job! I am now working for the City of Rosenberg, so far so good, but I will talk about that later. I received a birthday card from them! When I got home I received a card from the primary presidency and then both of my visiting teachers came by with a card and a sweet gift - I was already in my PJ's and very tired from a long day but it was sweet that they came by on my birthday. Over all it was a great birthday - I like to pretend that I don't like birthdays anymore - I mean now that I am OLD - who wants to keep getting older - but deep down - I really do like my birthday.

The next day at work Kaitlyn called me from home. "Mom, someone is MOWING our Lawn" so I asked her "who is it" - "I think, someone from church" - I was shocked but thought OK - so I told her "see if he needs any water" - that weekend when John got home I asked him about it. He didn't ask anyone to mow the lawn, as we began to ask the girls more questions about the mysterious lawn mower, we discovered that we TRULY have the WORLDS GREATEST Home Teacher - We Love You Brother Hunt!

Mosquitoe Bites

2009-05-04T06:10:00.000-07:00

Rylee asked me on Friday "Mom, WHY do mosquitoes bite me, I didn't do anything to them. I promise!"

If I had a secret in my basket

2009-05-01T05:53:00.000-07:00

Ashley came home last night with a letter that she wrote - the topic was "if I had a secret in my basket" I will be typing exactly what she wrote and how she spelled everything.

If I had a secret I would have a cake in it. I would have a laptop. their cool. Fried rice and soy sauce it's yummy. Also a blanket that I can lay on. I'll have a bracelet and a necklace because they're pretty. Also whipped cream yum I love whipped cream! Waffles and syrup are yummy too. Also pizza is my favorite! Bananas are good too. oh Milk is my favorite too! My sister like's strawbemes her name is Rylee. one of my neighbors call her oh oh oh Rylee! I'll want a puppy and a kitten. Also o paper and a pencil to draw pictures of my puppy and kitten because they're cute. oh also I like chickn too. My dad likes milk too. and spaghetti I love spaghetti is my favorite. Oh brownies. I love brownies.

I'm getting the idea that she loves food!

Ashely school picture

2009-04-30T16:19:00.000-07:00

Ashley really needed a haircut...but she is cute and she still had those two front teeth.

Rylee school pictures

2009-04-30T15:37:00.001-07:00

The last school pictures Rylee refused to smile - this time I swore I wouldn't buy any pictures unless she promised to smile (plus I bribed her with a bag of cheetos - whatever works) and this time she smiled nicely!

HElP! Anyone who knows how to scan with out all the extra blankness - please let me know!

In the mean time - if you click on the picture you can see the pictures better.

Identity Thieves SUCK!

2009-04-23T08:12:00.000-07:00

Ok - that isn't very nice I know but if you have ever had your identity stolen you would understand and forgive the language. I am very upset with no one home today to talk to - I am going to write about my experience - maybe I will feel better. So going back to 1994, I was just married and working for a telephone answering center for American Airlines. Somehow that year I lost my purse. When I say lost, well, I am not really sure what happened to it. I might have left it somewhere, or someone stole it. I didn't really notice (no money, no credit cards, no cell phone) no big deal right..... WRONG!

5 years pass by and I totally forgot about the lost purse until one of the worse days of my life happened. I had just had Kaitlyn and left her for a short time to run to a small town called Springtown to do 1 inspection on a commercial jobsite. I was speeding to get to the job and then get home to my new baby and I got pulled over right as I pulled up to the job site. Normally, I didn't flash the info that I worked for the city to the police, but this time thankfully I did. The officer came back to my car after a few minutes to let me know there might be an issue. It seems that there was a warrant for my arrest in Dallas, he was trying to get more info and to verify. I explained that I had never received a ticket in Dallas - there was no possible way I would have a warrant. He kindly asked me to wait just a few more minutes (like I had a choice). When he came back to my car he said that the warrant was confirmed and that the warrant was for writing bad checks. I began to cry (like crazy) this was all wrong - I've never written a check in Dallas - I have a Warrant. I was to overwhelmed to realize at the time - how nervous the police officer was - I had identified myself as working for the city - the Mayor was not going to be happy. So, he asked me if I would very slowly drive the 2 miles around to the city hall (this is a verrrry tiny town) and that he would escort me thru the back door so no one would see us (like I cared - I didn't dooo anything wrong). I composed myself the best I could and drove to city hall. When we entered the back door I saw my worst nightmare........the tiny cell that had to be no bigger than 5ft wide x 5ft wide the bars ran all the way to the ceiling. I lost my composure again. At the same time the Mayor came running in yelling at the police officer that he HAD to be WRONG and that he MUST fix this issue right away! He took my arm and told the police chief that we were going to his office and that we would be in there until they resolved this issue.

What I learned that day was 1. you are guilty until your time in court 2. very small towns do not normally bond people thru they send you to the nearest county prison to post bond 3. people are very kind when they live in a small town and need their inspector to inspect a building.

There was nothing the police could do to help me, they normally did not bond people out in this town but would make an exception for me. I had to post $400.00, which of course I did not have. My father would have had the money but he was an expert witness in court and could not get away. My luck came when the Contractor came into the city hall looking for his inspector - when the Mayor explained my situation - he was very happy to help me out. He loaned me the money to post bail and I was able to do the inspection for him.

What I learned later was that someone had taken my licence and used my name, using another victims blank checks, filled in all my info as if they were me and wrote 10 checks in my name. Dallas had 2 checks - when I went to court it was confusing to the judge and he postponed my hearing for the bank to come in and also to prove that the handwriting was not mine. The person who wrote the checks wrote the word "Dollards" truthfully that made me even madder - they stole my name and made me look like an idiot! I was found not guilty.

2 years later - City of Fort Worth had 3 more warrants for my use of bad checks - I had to keep a bail bonds man on retainer so that when these things popped up I could post bail. It was humiliating, frustrating, and crazy. I tried to get my drivers licence number changed - they wouldn't help me - I could no longer write checks because companies like telecheck had me listed as BAD!

Now its been sooo many years later and I keep thinking its behind me - then this morning came and I realized it isn't over. I have been applying for jobs lately because my current one isn't making enough money, I am on contract and the work isn't stead. I interviewed with the City of Rosenberg and was so excited about the opportunity it looks like it would be a great place to work. This morning I received a phone call from them the police lieutenant wants to meet with me tomorrow regarding some "issues" that came up on my criminal background check. I will have to go in and explain one more time that I didn't write bad checks and that I was found NOT guilty. Its just not right!

Ok - pity party over - I have dishes to wash.

Identity Thieves SUCK!

My first fondant cake

2009-04-22T14:52:00.001-07:00

Last weekend was my neighbor Missy's B-day - she is a sweetheart and my girls and I love her. Her favorite color is blue so for my first fondant cake design I chose a simple purple bow on a marble blue square cake and this is the final look.

My Top Model

2009-04-22T14:36:00.000-07:00

Rylee loves to pick out her own clothes and loves to pose for pictures. I think she might have seen America's Top Model one too many times....

Easter

2009-04-22T14:05:00.000-07:00

Easter seems to have come and gone and I don't know what happened to several pictures I took (its driving me crazy). The girls and I went to an Easter Egg hunt at the church and then had a picnic at a wonderful park. On Saturday the girls got to go to another Easter egg hunt for our subdivision where they also had a petting zoo - they loved playing with the animals and of course wanted to take them all home! The girls were given the cutest purses that their Momo made (I am still trying to get them all together at the same time with the purses).

Easter is a wonderful time that we can remember our Savior and what he has done for us. He made it possible that we can repent and live with him again.

Ashleys ever changing mouth

2009-04-22T13:50:00.000-07:00

Ashley has had a hard couple of weeks. The kids and I have to work hard not to laugh at her cute but every funny and constantly changing mouth... At the first of the month her first front tooth became very loose (I swear I had pictures and they seem to have disappeared) - to the point that it stuck out and her sisters called her buck tooth (which I thoroughly chastised them for) the tooth just stuck out worse and worse until finally it came out. She was so relieved - they couldn't call her buck tooth anymore - then last week she was playing with Rylee and she hit her mouth - OUT came the second front tooth - Now she is toothless. It would be so sad - if she wasn't sooo cute!

Ashleys Field Trip to the Childrens Muesum

2009-04-02T14:13:00.000-07:00

The Children's Museum had a Kids metropolis where kids could pick a job and learn all about it. Ashley & her friend Kayla were Veterinarians and Policewomen, they had so much fun - thanks for letting me tag along Ashley!

This week at play

2009-04-02T14:01:00.000-07:00

Kaitlyn is shown warming up for her Cello Contest this week - She had to read the sheet music, and show proper hand position. She did amazing! I am so proud of her, she works every day to improve her skills and it shows.

Last night I worked on the computer until late - when I went into the livingroom this is how I found my girls cuddled together asleep.

Rylee & Abby playing this morning

2009-03-29T15:56:00.000-07:00

My latest Cake Design - I love the spring colors! In my latest cake decorating class I learned to make all these gorgeous flowers.

Rylee, Ashley and I got ready for church last week before anyone else - what else is there to do but take pictures by the side of our house.

The kid quiz

2009-03-23T17:42:00.000-07:00

After reading Maria Whiteheads latest blog - it was so cute I had to quiz my kids and here are their answers:

What does your mom say the most often?
Rylee: go to sleep
Ashley: brush your teeth
Kaitlyn: Take your meds

What can you do to make your mom happy?
Rylee: Clean up
Ashley: Clean my room
Kaitlyn: Be nice to my sisters

What do you do that makes your mom sad?
Rylee: Not listen to her
Ashley: Cry
Kaitlyn: Not be nice to my sisters

What does your mom do to make you laugh?
Rylee: Tickle me
Ashley: Pinch me
Kaitlyn: tell a funny joke

How old is your mom?
Rylee: 17
Ashley: 29 or 35
Kaitlyn: 29

What does your mom like to do for fun?
Rylee: reads a book
Ashley: lots of stuff
Kaitlyn: workout

What is your mom not good at?
Rylee: Art
Ashley: I can't think of anything
Kaitlyn: Thats too hard of a question

What does your mom like to do with you?
Rylee: play with me
Ashley: go to the mall or the doctor
Kaitlyn: we really need to do something

What is the same about you and your mom?
Rylee: our eyes
Ashley: our hair
Kaitlyn: our style

What is different about you and your mom?
Rylee: we don't wear the same clothes
Ashley: we don't have the same color eyes
Kaitlyn: if I say yes, she says no

The Story about Communication & the Water Bill

2009-03-22T15:57:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time - there was a family who lived in Houston Texas, the kids were out of school on spring break, the dad was working in Corpus Christie and the mom was working semi-part time doing inspections all over the Houston metro-plex. One morning, the mom woke up and tried to turn on the shower to get ready for another great day. Only, on this day, the shower would not turn on. So the mom, being a great inspector - started checking all the pipes and other water fixtures - NONE of them were working. Quickly she went to the neighbors, if they had no water, there could be a main break, the neighbors water worked fine.

She thought to herself, surely, her very organized, money smart husband paid the water bill. So, she began to look for the water bill to call the water company and tell them that there was a problem. But, the water bill was no where to be found. In desperation mode, she called her husband..... (and this is where the story gets good)

The dad says "of course I paid the bill, I will check my online banking and tell you when it will go thru and how much". The mom "Wait... what do you mean by when it will go thru, are you telling me that it hasn't gone thru yet" she was trying so hard not to get hesterical. "Well, NO, it clears on Friday" said the dad. And he began to explain "I read the bill and it didn't make any sense, we paid on time last month and that was just a few weeks ago, so I don't know why the bill said past due, but it was wrong". Trying to understand the mom said "so the bill said PAST DUE, but you knew that it was wrong, and called them and talked to them about it, right"? "um, no - I didn't call them, but I know that I am right" said the dad in a very quiet voice.

Lets just shorten the story - The dad being one who doesn't like to make phone calls, looked over the bill, thought about it, and came to the decision that he was right and the water company was wrong, and paid the bill LATE.

The mom being one who likes to have running water at the house - went and paid the bill and pleaded that her husband was at fault and was out of town (where she couldn't ring his neck) please, please, please, turn the water back on.

One hour later her husband calls to say "its OK - by this weekend we will have overpaid and then we will be ahead" and he was happy............ The mom being a smart mom, decided to blog about it in effort that one day he will read the story and know that she loved him. BUT - she was right and that he needed to work on his communication skills.

Fun at the zoo

2009-03-19T07:44:00.001-07:00

With work being slow and the girls on Spring Break, I decided yesterday afternoon to "take the monkeys to see the monkeys" we had a great time! We love the Fort Worth Zoo - but I gotta tell ya that the Houston Zoo was awesome!

Michelle's ADD Playlist

2009-03-17T19:24:00.000-07:00

I feel that it is important to explain some of my music on my playlist for any of you who check my blog and find one of my crazy songs playing. Anyone who knows me for more than a few minutes knows that I love the 80's so for Erasure, The Cure, Morrissey or Aerosmith to be on my playlist is not a surprise.

But there are some that need explanation - Believe it or not - theme song for the TV show "Greatest American Hero" was one of my fathers favorite shows and when this show came on he sang this song with all the power his lungs would allow, this song makes me smile. Elvira by the Oakridge Boys was another song that I feel in love with because of my dad - we used to sing "getty up a bump bapa bumpbapa moe moe, high hoe silver away" with the lowest deep voice we could - it made riding the car a blast! I still like to sing it to my girls - Rachel gets so embarrassed - Awesome!

Singing in the Rain, Uptown Girl and Bird Dog are all songs that remind me of my mom - she loved Billy Joel, she taught us to sing in the rain, and she looooved 50's music!

I used to HATE Country Music until going to El Paso where I learned very quickly that there were ZERO good radio stations. I went thru a time while there where I was a tad bit depressed, and then I found country music - where the people in the songs were going thru a lot worse than me - I found it made me cry and laugh all at the same time.... much needed free therapy! Listening to Country music drives John and Rachel CRAZY - which makes me want to laugh.

I love music and have learned to love all types of music - confession time - I can't get used to the Jonas Brothers no matter how much Rachel tells me they Rock - I just don't care for them. Sorry Rach!

If I didn't have music in my life - I couldn't drive a car, workout, clean house, ignore kids, I just wouldn't be me. So to all the great artist in the world - Thank-you!

Saint Patricks Day

2009-03-15T17:13:00.000-07:00

Saint Patricks day is just around the corner, I need to let you in on a secret - this is My dad's and my favorite holiday. Yes, I said holiday. I learned from him to be the first one to wake up in the morning - put on as much green as possible and then pinch everyone in the house who isn't wearing green. Which of course is EVERYONE! I love the old Irish silly songs, sometimes I don't wear green just so I can get pinched.

I truly believe that there is a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. My four leaf clover is my 4 gorgeous daughters - they are so fun and full of life. Yes - there are minutes when I want to pull my hair out and scream "Calgon TAKE ME AWAY" (which I have tried and unfortunately it doesn't work). The rainbow is this life we are living, it is long and mostly uphill, but the end results will be awesome!

Me vs Lawnmower

2009-03-07T16:46:00.001-08:00

With John being gone so much - I have found that we are not communicating like we used to. Its really tough having a husband only on the weekends and I have made the mistake of teasing and saying that I am a single mom - this is not a good idea to tease in front of the kids - for some reason they start to repeat you to their teachers - such as Kaitlyn trying to tell her teacher that she didn't have time to finish her homework because she had too many chores - she HAD to help her single mom!!

This weekend John and I got in to a fight regarding the decision to buy a new lawnmower - my side is: Lawnmowers cost too much - both of our incomes have been reduce drastically. Johns side (as usual) was simple: My lawn must look good. And that was our fight - I gave him a dirty look and left the room, refused to talk to him for about an hour and then I asked him if he was hungry and SOOOO we went out to eat instead of getting a lawnmower.

Final Cake Design for Class

2009-03-01T11:11:00.001-08:00

Roses.... they were so hard for me to learn - but I think I finally got it! I made a ton more roses than would fit on the cake normally you would have numbers like 3, 6, 9 or 12 roses. Oh well... the girls didn't see any flaws when they ate it!

The latest cake design...

2009-02-23T16:03:00.000-08:00

I am still learning! (lol)

Kaitlyn cross stitches

2009-02-23T15:55:00.000-08:00

Kaitlyn finished a cross stitch project she started for her "momo" she did a great job! She really can do anything she puts her head too!

My silly girls...just a quick update

2009-02-15T15:58:00.000-08:00

Rylee has been mimicking everything I say in a very cute and silly way. She knows how to make life lots of fun! Rachel is getting ready for her first dance this coming Saturday - more info to come soon. Ashley has finished her first chapter book "Judy B. Jones is a Party Animal" and Kaitlyn has taken up cycling class at the gym and loves it. I have taken 2 of the 1st series of the Wilton Cake Decorating Class - which is a lot of fun and I am learning so much.

Sunday Dresses

2009-02-15T15:50:00.001-08:00

Ashley and Rylee love to go thru their older sisters clothes - this weekend the discovered that some of the dresses that Momo (my mother) made for Rachel and Kaitlyn now fit them. They were so excited - Rylee said that she felt like a princess and Ashley was excited to wear a Valentines Dress! Its great to see these wonderful dresses get to be worn again - everyone at church loved them - WAY TO GO MOMO! Your Awesome!

We love Musicals

2009-02-05T15:56:00.000-08:00

John and I both love musicals... Mayde Creek High School put on "Beauty & the Beast" we were excited for weeks before we were to go. The girls were invited to eat "Brunch" with the cast with our neighbor Missy - WoW - was that the best thing ever. Rylee dressed up as Belle and the girls took yellow roses to give to her and several other cast members. They were able to get pictures with the cast, walk on stage and look around - Gaston put Rylee on his shoulders - Belle was gracious and sweet - Miss Potts and Chipp were so cute - the girls were pumped - so excited about seeing the musical that evening. I was so impressed with this goup of high school students they did a great performance and we loved it! Our neighbors girls Jesse and Caitlin were in the musical and the girls tried to yell when they saw them - I had to remind them that they had to be very quite - but it was oooh so hard! Thanks Missy, Julia and Izzy for making this experience great!

Calling for all Cake Critics

2009-01-11T15:02:00.000-08:00

My mom realized that I really wanted to learn to decorate cakes, so for Christmas I got everything I needed to begin. So this weekend I made a 3 tier whimsical cake - of course the critics in my house (my girls) were very pleased - they loved it! I'm thinking there is still lots for me to learn. Rylee said that its ok to keep practicing (she loves cake!). To my suprise - today in church I learned that there will be a cake decorating contest on Jan 30... so any advice will be appreciated!

Happy Birthday Rachel!

2009-01-05T08:27:00.001-08:00

Today is Rachel's 14th Birthday - she is my oldest daughter and I am so proud of her! She has many great attributes; she is seriously organized, she helps me keep organized, she is a great friend, she is very good at babysitting, and helping around the house. She loves bright colors like orange and green, she loves to straighten her hair (even though I love her natural wave to her hair), she loves twilight series and the tv show survivor. I love you Rachel! Thanks for letting me be your mom!

Adventures in Austin

2009-01-03T20:29:00.001-08:00

How much fun can the kids have digging a hole?

Believe it or not - a whole days worth! By the time they were done the day was over and the sand was all over them - We also learned all about GEO CACHING - if you've never heard of this great treasure hunting with GPS - look up www.geocaching.com - we went on a 3 part treasure hunt - it took a couple hours over 2 days, 8 girls one little boy and lots of turning over rocks! We went up hills, down hills, we found deer, cactus and some kind of hatched eggs! It was so much fun - we plan on continuing our aventures Caching many more times! Thanks goes out to "Lost your Marbles yet" she did an awesome job with the clues.

New Years in Austin

2009-01-03T20:11:00.001-08:00

For New Years the girls and I went to visit the Lanham/Hatch family. We haven't been able to see them in a long time and really missed them. The girls had a great time playing fashion show with Savannah helping them with thier nails, make-up and clothes - aren't they cute, I think Ashley could be mistaken for Paris Hilton in the sunglasses!

Christmas in Fort Worth

2009-01-03T19:05:00.000-08:00

We had so much fun in Fort Worth during the Christmas Holiday's

We got to visit lots of friends - 1st up was the Honshtein Family - we made and decorated gingerbread cookies! Picture above is Rylee and Amanda.

Rylee trys to decide which sprinkles to place on her cookies!

Ashley stops painting with frosting to pose for me!

Sarah and Ashley together again!

The great Cookies!

Noah (wearing his black frosting on his lips) Breanna and Rachel talk about Twilight and Look up pictures on the computer.

Rylee and Amanda

We had Christmas at Momo and Papa Killebrew's house it was wonderful - Above is a picture of Kaitlyn, Rylee, and Ashley playing with the instruments that Rylee got from Santa.

Aunt Kathy and Uncle Todd came to visit from Utah - the girls had a great time getting to know Uncle Todd - Rylee thinks he is the best!

Rachel and Aunt Kathy spent lots of time reading Twilight!

Rylee loves visiting Momo's house - Thanks for putting up with us!

After Christmas we were able to visit John's side of the family; the kirchner, de wolf, and the zumbrennen families. We hadn't gotten to see many of them for a long time, we didn't get to visit long enough but it was nice to see them all! We missed Aunt Kay :(

We were able to go and visit several friends during the time we were in Fort Worth - not everyone we would have liked to but it was nice to be able to say "hi" to friends we miss.

Over all it was a very nice Christmas we were very sad to say goodbye - I think the girls could have stayed at Momo's for a very long time.

Rachel Ready for Her Christmas Concert

2008-12-18T18:40:00.000-08:00

Kaitlyn turns 12

2008-12-18T18:36:00.000-08:00

As Christmas Approaches

2008-12-18T18:01:00.000-08:00

This picture of Ashley sums up how I feel right now! She feel asleep at Rachel's Choir Concert (Great Job Mayde Creek JR High Girls Choir). The past two weeks has been filled with so much going on (just a sample) from 3 separate (each girl decided to get sick at separate times of course) trips to the doctor, several birthdays, choir rehearsal, orchestra rehearsal, choir concert, orchestra recital, dance recital, Christmas shopping, cleaning house, paying bills, work, sick kids,omework, cleaning house, wrapping presents, and chasing kids around the house.

I'm EXHAUSTED!

DEAR SANTA - this year I would love a nap for Christmas!

Can't make her smile

2008-12-12T15:32:00.000-08:00

If Rylee doesn't want to smile - NO one is going to get this 5 yr old to smile! My mom bought the dress for her birthday - even without a smile - she is cute! Thanks momo! The dress is gorgous!

SNOW IN HOUSTON

2008-12-10T18:55:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to let eveyone know that we have SNOW this evening. Rylee let me know that "it is ok to have Christmas now that it is snowing - but wait - dad isnt home...(with a huge sigh) sorry mom... not Christmas yet"

I love 5 year olds!

Christmas Dance Recital

2008-12-06T14:03:00.000-08:00

Rylee has had a huge case of stage fright recently... so we were not sure if she would make it on stage. Right before they were to go on stage she had a extra strength grip on my leg. Her instructor reminded her that she would get a medal when she was done. That did it - she let go of my leg walked on to the stage and had her eyes stuck to the instructor the whole time. Wow I am so proud of her! If you aren't sure which one she is - she is in the middle on the right hand side.

Pre-Christmas Depression

2008-11-30T18:30:00.000-08:00

Almost every year I go thru - Pre-Christmas Depression:

I worry about money,

if I can get all the gifts the girls really want without going over board,

I worry I won't help enough people during this season.

Its funny because my mom worries about the same things every year also,

when I was a kid we didnt have money for christmas

my parents had to be very creative

and at times they also received help from secret santas.

Every year was perfect, every year we (the kids, all 6 of us) loved our gifts

and knew that our parents loved us

and worked hard to give us what they could.

Soooo...... why is it I worry????

I don't know maybe its a mom thing?

I wish I knew who those secret santas were all those years ago.

I would give them a huge hug & tell them how wonderful they were to us.

Dinner with the Kirchners

2008-11-30T18:21:00.001-08:00

Friday after Thanksgiving we visited with Johns sisters, the girls had a great time!

Thanksgiving

2008-11-30T18:09:00.000-08:00

I can't tell you how much we missed our family - last year was the first (hopefully only) year that we missed the holidays with all of our family in Fort Worth. First we visited with the Killebrews - momo and papas house is always fun and full of great food - we spent a little time with the Wall boys - wow - have they grown - I tend to forget the camera - but I got a few pictures of the kids playing.

Retraction

2008-11-30T18:03:00.000-08:00

The girls have reminded me that we do have one more addition to our family - I should never have forgotten striper - striper is our frog - he has been with us for several years - he lives in an aquarium that is full of green plants and a small waterfall - he eats on crickets and loves to hide from us - he has hidden for up to 3 months before - we love you striper!

Before Hurricane Ike

2008-11-30T17:28:00.000-08:00

Friday Night and Hurricane Ike was due within hours - I guess it made everyone a little anxious, ALL of our neighbors and family were outside hanging out. You can see that the wind was blowing Rylee's hair. Thank-you Katelyn (our neighbors daughter) for taking such a great picture! Katelyn named this picture "Icy Eyes"

Rylee Michelle Kirchner

2008-11-29T10:48:00.000-08:00

My best friend Denice is a wonderful photographer - she took and edited this photo

"Blue Eyes"

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

2008-11-29T09:36:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my family blog! I want to start by saying "Thanks to Cindy Killebrew for showing me the ropes on this blogging thing I am just starting" now if you don't know we have 6 people in our family - 1st is John he is the only male in the house pour guy! Then there is Rachel she is 13 going on 14, Kaitlyn is 11 going on 12, Ashley is 7 and Rylee is 5, we have 2 cats Hanna & Abby and that's enough! Oh yeah - there is me your narrator I'm Michelle! Keep checking back I will be working hard on this - my new project!