MAREN: MY "HI" - - BYE" GIRL

Bruce, Jackie, Chayla

Cherise, Marquel and MAREN

MAREN ELISE HIRZ



Makenna, Heidi (her 8th grade grad.) and Maren
(Three of my twelve granddaughters )

Seventeen years ago, a precious third daughter came to live with her parents Bruce and Jackie. From the very beginning Maren was one of those you knew would excel in her every movement of life's journey. I would like to tell you a story about Maren...one that I will remember all my days and then some.

I wish I could remember her age at the time...but I know she was anywhere from 2 months old to 3 months old. So remember that very, very young age as I tell you a story that will give you goosebumps.

Maren was in her family home laying in a infant seat/tote...you know the ones that have a large handle to carry the baby here and there. It gives the baby a good view of things instead of lying on their backs . So this sweet little girl was comfy in her seat which had been placed on the carpeted living room floor. It was just I, her Uncle Don (my daughter Julie's husband) and Maren. Others there were in the kitchen. I looked at this most beautiful baby and she was very exceptionally beautiful. Her eyes locked onto mine. All of a sudden I did not see an infant's eyes, but I saw eyes more mature, more intelligent and all knowing. From her mouth came the word "Hi". My jaw fell open and my son-in-law Don said with his hands raised and fingers spread apart, "I heard it. I heard it. I am a witness." I may add here that Don is not a member of my faith, but he is a Christian nonetheless and I know he in hearing a tiny baby speak surprised him as it did me. I knew Don well and I knew he nor anyone else in my family was a ventriloquist. I marvelled at what I had just experienced. Maren had said the word "Hi" just as plain as you and I would say it.

It was about two weeks to a month later that a similar experience happened with Maren. Again she was in her seat that reclined a little but still she could see and enjoy the sights of life going on around here. I looked at Maren and that is when it happened. Again, she locked her eyes onto me and the eyes changed from a baby's eyes into the eyes of that intelligence, that special spirit that was within her. She looked at me intently and said "Bye". Again, I was floored. Again the word was very distinct. It was not a whisper nor soft, but just at a normal speaking voice that we all use in our conversations with one another.

Maren's veil then closed on her......and she never spoke again until it was the normal time for a child to start saying words or forming words together. I have no doubts about where this beautiful daughter of God came from...where we all came from. She was just allowed to give us an extra gift from our Father in Heaven.
Maren is incredible.
Maren is a joy to be around
Maren is thoughtful and kind and caring
Maren is a straight A student and loves learning
Maren is very responsible in all she is and all she does
Maren was born beautiful and is a beautiful girl not only physically, but spiritually
Maren is adored by all who know her.
Maren is a gift to all the Hirz Family and we are most thankful for her.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR PRECIOUS, WONDERFUL, MARVELOUS, HAPPY MAREN!

Mimi's Thought for the Day: Always remember that when a newborn baby comes into your life..look into their eyes and remember that they just left God just a few seconds ago. That baby said goodbye to all he or she knew in his or her heavenly home and came to earth to say, "Hi ...I am here. I am so happy to be with you. I hope you will love me and take good care of me. Bye."

PRAYERS NEEDED FOR JULIE

THE ROUGHAN FAMILY

MEGAN, DON, RYAN, JULIE AND MATTHEW

As you can see our daughter Julie has a very happy family. She has done a great job as a wife and mother...always putting herself last as she devotes her time, talents, energy to those around her. Julie has needs too but will never admit it. She could be very ill and yet she would be the first at your door in offering some of her home baked cookies, etc to help cheer you up.

Julie was born here in Moses Lake and so this is her place and all of you are her family and friends. She loves helping in the schools, in the church, going the extra mile with helping others and most of the time it is without that person knowing who it is that left a meal or provided financial help. She is a "silent partner" with God.

Julie likes to have fun and makes sure that the family is brought together on many occasions. It was on one of those occasions that Julie got injured. At their home they have a beautiful set-up in their huge yard: batting cage, volleyball area, other game areas, swimming pool, gazebo, large eating area...you get the picture.

Julie had us all come for Labor Day. Some were sitting around eating, talking and the majority of the young, plus a couple of adults, were playing volleyball. Julie went over to do pictures or video...she was standing on the sidelines. All of a sudden she was on the ground. One of the players went after the ball and that player was one of her brothers. He came crashing down on her, she fell on her tailbone, and then her head slammed hard on the ground.

I have given you the picture now so you can imagine the concern we all had as she continued to be in great pain. She waited for two hours for the pain to subside but finally she and her husband went to the emergency room of the hospital. They were there for almost 5 hours. A CAT scan showed no blood clot or fractures, but she did have a concussion. Julie already had problems with her neck and this injury to her head also made her neck worse. After two weeks she still is in pain in her head, neck and tailbone. She is going to physical therapy.

I know that blogs should be positive and uplifting for all to enjoy, but I am reaching out to my friends and asking your thoughtful prayers in her behalf. She has had a Priesthood blessing and felt much relief after that. Julie is so used to giving all that she has....it is time for her to be on the receiving end.

Thank you in advance for your support. Your prayers are needed in my daughter's behalf.

BIG THINGS ARE HAPPENING IN DEREK'S LIFE

DEREK MATTHEW HIRZ

HAPPY 12TH BIRTHDAY...A BIG ONE!!!!!!!

Turning twelve is a huge moment in the life of a young man in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

And for this young man, Derek has been looking forward to this moment for a long time.

What does it mean in turning 12 for Derek.

Well for one, it means the beginning of something new in his life that will change him, magnify him, make him feel even more responsible and an opportunity for him to serve our Father in Heaven.

This next Sunday..the 19th of September of 2010, Derek will receive the Aaronic Priesthood and start his wonderful, sacred journey of having the authority to perform his responsibilities for the rest of his life.

Also this next Sunday, Derek will graduate from Primary...the children's organization that he has been in since he was 3 years old. Then Derek will be ordained into the priesthood as a deacon. He will have the responsibility of passing the Sacrament every Sunday and going into people's homes and collecting their fast offerings for those who are in a position of need.

Derek will also now start going to the Young Men's organization on Wednesday nights and participating in their activities of fun, learning and service.

I have told you a few things about Derek's changes, but one thing will never change. Derek is a sweetheart. He is the most gentle, kind, loving young man. He loves life. He is a good student and is respectful of his teachers. He loves sports..especially basketball. He is good to animals. He is the son of Craig and Tina Hirz and has sisters Amber, Ashley and Heidi. Last but not least Derek is very loving and helpful. We honor this young man who brings so much joy into our lives, especially mine. Everyone needs a "Derek" in their lives. One day I will tell you a story about his name......finally I got my Derek. Happy 12th Birthday to a sweetheart...a gem of a young man who reminds me daily of God's gifts. As I close this, Derek and his parents and his cousin Landon are on their way to a Mariner's Baseball game. Have a great time Derek...don't forget the "rally fries!" And the hot dogs! And the popcorn! Tell Ichiro hi for me! Have a blast!!!

Mimi's Thought for the Day: Are you planning on a heavenly "hereafter"????

Let it be known that it will be determined by what you are going after here!!

MINDI'S TURN!

Mindi and Scott June 2010
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MINDI

The "baby" of our family just had a birthday...yes we are busy in the Hirz family with birthdays coming one after another and we are not through yet!

We are celebrating a few days after her birthday...celebrating to honor this most wonderful woman.

Mindi is every one's friend...young and old. She has so many qualities that make you want to be near her all the time.
As you can see Mindi is beautiful, but her beauty goes deeper.
She is so kind and angelic and is a calming influence on the lives of others.
She is ambitious and full of energy.
She never complains and is always smiling
She is a great wife and mother
Her home is always immaculate
She loves to help others and is ALWAYS helping me...especially steam cleaning my kitchen and bathrooms.
She is very good and kind to animals
She shares her great cooking and baking talents with us.
I could go on and list more qualities of Mindi...so many more that it would make a book.
Suffice it to say that
I love her laugh
I love her ways
I love Mindi as my own flesh and blood.

Happy Birthday dear, sweet, lovely Mindi
P. S.......she loves being called the "baby" of the adult members of the family and laughs heartily when she says it!! Gotta to love this gal....I know you would.


Mimi's Thought for the Day: It is said that the best things come in small packages. That is Mindi...inside of this outwardly beautiful woman you will find a heart of gold. The following is Mindi through and through and it should be found in all of us:
"Laugh with your eyes,
Smile with your soul,
Hug with your heart and
Love with your spirit"

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CRAIG

CRAIG AND TINA

Moms are suppose to be on top of everything right? Not this mom. I forgot to pay tribute to my third son as he celebrated his 45th birthday on Labor Day. At the party he reminded me it had been my 45th year since I labored to bring him into the world.

Craig is the nicest guy! He loves life! I can still see him as a little boy playing in the dirt with his big yellow Tonka trucks of all kinds. He would sing as he played. He has a beautiful singing voice but he does not share it with the world.

We moved here in 1966 when Craig was only 6 months old. What an adorable baby, toddler and child he was. So good natured. Today he is a man of many qualities. He brought into our life beautiful Tina. They have four children: twins Amber and Ashley both going to college in Utah; Heidi a freshman at the high school and Derek a 6th grader in middle school.

Some of the things I admire in Craig are:

1. He is a very hard worker

2. He was a good athlete and still enjoys sports

3. Terrific sense of humor

4. Shows great respect to his father and I

5. Loves his wife dearly and also his children

6. I so love his laugh...it is great!

7. He is honest

8. He is dependable

9. He is strong in his relationship to God and Christ

10. He and his brothers and sister get along perfectly

11. He is a healthy eater

12. He will drop whatever he is doing and help you.

13. He brings sunshine into my life

14. He does not tear down others

15. He is a man of his word.

I could list another 30 traits of Craig, but I am vowing to shorten my lengthy posts. In a nutshell Craig is a jewel, a gift and I am blessed to be the receiver of his wondrous ways time and time again.

So just a few things about Craig, but my heart is full of gratefulness for God's gift. I had the honor of nurturing, teaching and loving him and having him close by. He is a great person and I have been blessed to have him for my son. Happy Birthday dearest Craig. I love you.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHERISE

CHERISE (far left) WITH HER THREE SISTERS: MAREN, MARQUEL AND CHAYLA

Today is Cherise Danielle's birthday...she is affectionately called Cherisee-Pie. When you think of a pie you think of sweetness, solid, delicate, fulfilling, beautiful, and also a warm feeling to your heart.
Well our little "pie" has grown up to be all that and more!!! I think of Cherise more as a daughter than a granddaughter as I had the blessing of taking care of her from the time she was 2 months old to 2 years old as her mom had to work full-time and her dad went to college all day. Every morning she would come to my home, except on the weekends. I got so attached to her. When she and her momma and daddy (Jackie and Bruce) moved to Ellensburg for Bruce to finish his college education at Central Washington College, they took my heart with them. I will never forget our parting as they pulled out of the driveway. Cherise was in her child seat and she was slowly waving goodbye to me...I was in tears. For awhile I had to go over every week and get my "Cherise fix". Of course now they are back here and I have seen her grow up to be not only beautiful physically, but a charming, inspiring young woman.
Some of the things I love about Cherise are:
1. She is classy
2. She is friendly and kind to me
3. She will do anything to help me.
4. She is compassionate and caring for everyone
5. She is a very hard worker
6. She is dependable
7. She is ambitious
8. She has a fun and happy personality
9. She can be relied on.....keeps her word.
10. She is neat, tidy and shows it in her home and the way she takes care of herself.

These are just a few things about Cherise. She is amazing!! She cares for the very young to the very old. She is one to watch, to follow, to emulate in every way...as she follows the right and true path. Thank you Cherise for your love, your special, beautiful ways that make you unique and a joy in our lives.

HAVE A GREAT AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY. NO ONE DESERVES MORE THAN YOU!!

Mimi's Thought for the Day: In caring for Cherise those two years...it changed me. I don't know what influence I had on her life, but she influenced mine. She made me more aware of TIME. There is a time for everything...only we can decide how we use it...how we fill it...with nonsense or with good sense. Those two years were full of memories for me...just as if it were yesterday...I am glad I filled it with loving a little baby girl, holding, singing, playing with her. Yes as an act of service if you want...but truly for me..the "time" has been imprinted on my mind as an act of nurturing and loving. My time was not wasted. We all need to take stock of what we do with our "TIME"....as it is gone, even as I write this I can hear the clock ticking away...tick..tick...tick.........