Pan Fry Chicken - Easter recap (very belated)

I realize this is extremely belated, but I was getting pictures off of my phone and realized I had some old photos from our Easter trip to Missouri that I hadn't posted. I didn't take very many, but thought it was worth sharing the few I took.

Here's sweet Bailey sleeping in the back of the car on the way to Missouri.

What's Easter without baby chicks and ducks??? One night, we took Grandma Kiehl out for dinner and stopped by Orchelen's (a local farm store similar to Tractor Supply) for their annual "Chick Days".

Aren't they cute?

Though, we found it quite disturbing that one variety was called "Pan Fry Special".

Last, but not least, I thought it was very important to note that my parent's road actually has a name now! Because they are now getting 911 service in their area, the county had to name all of the gravel roads so they could be identified for 911 calls. My entire life, the road just had "311" on the stop sign. It wasn't an address, just a number. Our address had always been Rt. 1. For the first time ever, my parents have an actual street address. I think it's funny that they live on Boxelder Avenue...nothing like a gravel road named after a bug!

Memorable Memorial Day weekend

A couple of days before the Memorial Day weekend holiday, I get a call from my sister, Jenna, asking "what are you doing this weekend?" Although this is fairly inocuous question, it had a twinge of devious curiosity behind it. I soon learn the reason she asked - she and Jeremy wanted to come visit. We told them we'd love to have them. The next day, I talked to my Mom and it turns out that she and my Grandma Kiehl wanted to come along! So, we had a house full of guests for the holiday weekend.

When my family arrived, they showed up with a huge bucket of flowers from my Mom and two grandmothers! I was thrilled! I quickly whipped out all of my vases (that never get used, ahem, Garth!) so we could arrange them and place throughout the house. Since I couldn't keep them forever, I took pictures so I could always remember how great they looked.

I was especially excited to get these gorgeous, fragrant peonies. Garth and I got married four years ago during Memorial Day weekend and we had peonies at our wedding. I love them! They are beautiful and smell fantastic. It was such a treat to have some fresh blooms in our house for a few days.

Pretty pink roses from Grandma Kiehl in a crystal vase from Grandma Tieman (which was a wedding shower gift - it came from Germany and is something she's had for years).

Petit roses from Grandma Kiehl in a charming vase from Garth's mom, Linda. It was darling on our kitchen window sill.

The irises came from my Mom and both Grandmothers. They looked lovely on top of my piano!

I didn't get many pictures of the family, but here's one of my Grandma Kiehl, Mom, Jenna and me. On that Saturday, we had a great trip to the farmer's market. Since my Grandma has such a green thumb, she loved inspecting the fruits and veggies and talking to all the vendors. After that, we headed to Zackie's Hot Dogs in Germantown for lunch. This is us sitting outside of the restaurant. After lunch, we hit the flea market that was in town. Busy day!

Jenna and Jeremy at Zackie's.

Garth and me outside of Zackie's.

Bailey also enjoyed seeing my family. She loved all of the attention (and the food!). She did one of her favorite things and climbed up in my Mom's lap. She loves her Grandma Marj!

We had a great weekend and enjoyed having everyone come visit!

Birthday Dinner

On Garth's birthday, we went to dinner at The Mad Platter for a six course Argentinian dinner. It was amazing! However, we've never had so much food in our entire lives!

Here's a self portrait of us before dinner.

Garth shows off the new business card holder I got him (among other things). I think Garth had a pretty good birthday!

Birthday Celebration with the Fam

Last weekend, Garth's parents had the family over to celebrate Garth and his grandmother's birthdays, which are just two days apart. Here are a few photos from the occasion.

Garth, Sarah and Grammy pose with the cake.

Sarah's not sure about helping blow out the candles.

Sarah shows off her Easter hat and bunny slippers.

I think she looks like Minnie Pearl with the tag hanging off the hat!

This one is my favorite - what a cutie!

Remembering my Grandfather

It's been nearly two months since our last post. I guess it's only fair to let you know where we've been all this time. The biggest event in the past two months was the passing of my Grandfather on January 23. He was admitted to the hospital on New Year's Eve because he had lost more than 20 pounds in December. We found out several days later that the rare cancer he had in his chin last summer and reappeared in his bones. The cancer had spread so much that they gave him a couple of weeks. I went to visit him one last time in early January and two weeks after my visit, he was gone.

It was hard to watch my grandfather slip away, and even harder to say goodbye. However, we all take comfort in knowing that he's no longer in pain and that he is with his Father in heaven. It's hard to aptly describe my Grandfather and what he meant to me. This doesn't come close to doing him justice, but below is the obituary I wrote for him.

Herbert George Kiehl
Herbert George Kiehl was many things – a loving husband, a devoted father and a caring friend. He was a grandfather to eight, and a mentor to many. He knew not a stranger. His contagious kindness touched the lives of everyone he met. Herbert filled the world with laughter.
More importantly, Herbert was a man of God. Even in his last moments on this earth, Herbert sang God’s praises and whispered the Lord’s Prayer. Now, he is at home with his Father, singing with the angels…forever watching down on those he left behind.
Herbert George Kiehl, 86, died on January 23, 2008, in his home of 55 years in rural Malta Bend, Mo. Born on December 11, 1922, he was the fourth child of Bernhardt Wilhelm Kiehl and Emilie Ida Caroline Hill. He was baptized on December 17, 1922, and was confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. He began his education at Bethlehem Lutheran School in Mt. Leonard, and then attended Malta Bend High School where he graduated in 1942.

On August 29, 1953, he married Pauline Marie Krone at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Westlake, Ohio. They had three daughters – Barbara, Janet and Marjorie – whom he affectionately called “his boys”.

A lifelong farmer, Herbert was a faithful steward of the land and enjoyed tending to God’s miracles each and every day. Herbert worked for A.H. Orr for many years and continued to farm that land the rest of his life. He enjoyed basketball, bowling, horseshoes and golf. He especially loved watching his grandchildren grow and sharing his love of the farm with them.

Throughout his life, Herbert was an active member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mt. Lenard where he taught Sunday School and served as an Elder and Trustee. He was also a member and past president of Farm Bureau, the Lutheran Layman’s League and Aid Association for Lutherans.

Survivors include his wife, Pauline; three daughters, Barbara Hoffman and husband, Dan, of Norfolk, Neb., Janet Vesser, and husband Bart of Gilliam, Mo., and Marjorie Tieman and husband, Greg of Blackburn, Mo.; eight grandchildren, Heather Novotny, Laura Click, Amber Vesely, Erin McKeage, Justin Novotony, Clayton Novotny, Jenna Fitzwater and Paula Tieman; and one great grandchild, Ethan Vesely.

Other survivors are sisters Esther Wolpers and Emma Langewisch, brother Martin Kiehl and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Elmer Kiehl.

Tieman wives play Rockband

My Mom and Aunts got their turn at Rock Band too. Needless to say, we were all entertained!

Tieman Brothers Play Rockband

At the Tieman family Christmas, we were all entertained by my Dad and Uncles playing Rock Band for the first time. Hope you enjoy this as much as we did!

Missouri Christmas - Photos with the Fam

Here are few photos from our Christmas celebrations with both sides of my family.

Here's Grandma and Grandpa Kiehl reading to Ethan, their one and only great grandson.

Here's a close-up of Ethan. He's my cousin Amber's son. Isn't he handsome?

Here are my grandparents with their three girls - Janet, Barb and my mom.

During the Tieman family celebration, we played "Rock Band". Here's my cousin Joe playing guitar.

Paula rocked out on the drums.

My Grandma and Grandpa Tieman enjoyed the entertainment.

The best part was when the Dads played Rock Band. Here's my dad with two of his brothers - Lee and Terry.

Then, my mom, Aunt Erin and Aunt Becky got their turn.

I have videos of both performances. Look for those in the next post!

Merry (Belated) Christmas!

For some reason (maybe it was because I was sick or that Garth didn't let me), I didn't get any pictures of Christmas Eve with my family. It was pandimonium (as usual) because we always find a way to make it more than just opening presents. There's always some sort of treasure hunt, prank or other shenanigans involved. It's probably good there aren't any pictures though....Jenna and Jeremy made us all dress up like superheros and come up with our superhero name and action move. Don't ask what mine was!

Anyway, I did manage to get this photo of Garth and I before we headed to church. We hope that everyone had a very wonderful Christmas with friends and family. It's very easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season, that we tend to forget what Christmas is all about. We are so blessed that God sent his Son to save us...who would have thought a tiny baby could save the world?! Certainly, that is the greatest gift we could ever wish to receive. So, perhaps fittingly, it's good that I didn't get pictures of the presents....the best gift is one that cannot be captured on film, or memory card for that matter. ;)

Hope your Christmas was filled with blessings!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

We made it to Missouri just in time to celebrate my Mom's birthday on the 23rd. She was thrilled to have all of her "ducks" (i.e., her four girls) home for the holidays. Because the weather was nasty, we fixed dinner instead of going out. So, we had lasagna and birthday brownies. We even had candles for her. We didn't have 51 candles, so we put five candles in one pan and one candle in the other. And, of course, Bailey couldn't resist sneaking in the picture. We all had a good time being together. I'm sure that was the best gift of all.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM!

Christmas with the Clicks

On the 21st, we had quite the busy day. Not only did we celebrate Sarah's 2nd birthday (which was the 20th), but we also celebrated Christmas with Garth's family since we were going to be in Missouri for Christmas. It was a jam-packed day, but we had a great time seeing everyone. Garth's Uncle Bryce and Aunt Bonnie, along with his cousin Kara and her husband, Gil, and son, Gabe, made the trip up from Alabama. We always enjoy the chance to see them.

Sarah tries to blow out the candles on her cake.

Sarah tries on her new raincoat and boots from Aunt Bonnie.

Here is Sarah with her dolly. She carries it with her wherever she goes!
I didn't realize Harry Potter was invited!

Oh wait, it's Gabe! Isn't he cute?! We hear he's quite the catch at school. He has all the girls chasing him!



Gabe and his Dad, Gil. Aren't they festive in their green and red?

Opening presents...
Amy helps Sarah open her Elmo computer, while Kara and Gabe look at their gifts.

Once the extended family left, we had a chance to exchange gifts with Garth's immediate family. Here's Henry and Linda and their new shoes!

Look at the next post to see a video of Sarah opening her gift from us!

Thanksgiving in Cleveland - The Search for the Perfect Tree

At long last, here's the continuation of our trip to Cleveland. The day after Thanksgiving, we went to a tree farm in search of the perfect Christmas tree. This was the first time any of us had cut down a tree by ourselves. It was quite an experience!

Just as you would imagine, Santa was at the tree farm. Sarah wasn't so sure what to think of this Santa character!

Off to find the perfect tree!

There are SO many trees...how do we choose?

Garth finds a tree that looks tall enough, but it isn't the one.


So, we look at even more trees....

At long last, Amy finds THE ONE! Henry got the dubious task of cutting it down.

Garth drags the tree back to the barn to be tied up and taken home.

Garth and I getting ready to leave the tree farm. The snow was pretty, but it was cold! We were ready to go home!

Thanksgiving in Cleveland - the Sarah Show!

For Thanksgiving weekend, Garth and I went to Cleveland to spend the holiday with his sister, Amy. Garth's parents rode along with us for the long ride up north. It was great to finally see where Amy, Carl and Sarah live!

I took a ton of pictures while were there...admittedly, most of them were of our favorite niece, Sarah! Here are some of my favorites...

Miss Piggy - Sarah shows off her pigtails

"What do you mean this is YOUR phone?"

Sarah was also quite taken with my cell phone. She even dialed a couple of people - thank goodness she called my family members and not someone else!

Silly Sarah, tricks are for kids!

I don't know what Sarah is doing here, but doesn't she look all grown up?!

Sarah's Aunt Katharine (Carl's sister) came over for Thanksgiving dinner. It was great to see her again!

One of Sarah's favorite things to do was pull all of the CDs out of the entertainment center. She liked identifying the colors on the CDs. In particular, she was always searching for the blue one (notice the blue Disney CD), a green one (another Disney CD) and a pink one.

After pulling all the CDs out, she liked to stack them back up. The stack is almost taller than you, Sarah!

You've almost got it!

Sarah also LOVES for people to read books to her. She was always bringing books to anyone who was willing to read. Here she is with Aunt Katharine. Aren't her pigtails cute?

Uncle Garth reads to Sarah. I love how she's looking at Garth!

"Gee, Uncle Garth...I'm not so sure about this Cinderella"

I even got my turn reading Sleeping Beauty.

One night, we went to dinner at this great Stir Fry place called Stir Crazy. Unfortunately, Sarah made a bit of a mess on her clothes. So, we had to do a quick chang-a-roo at the restaurant. She was perfectly fine being topless at the restaurant. I snapped this quick pic before they got her cleaned up. I thought it was too cute!

I have more pictures from our trip...stay tuned for the continuation of our Cleveland adventure!