April/May~ Update

These last two months have been an experience of driving, deadlines, tests, games, awards and on, and on it goes. I hope to have some photos to upload to this entry soon. Derek's soccer season was a blast for him. He was so happy to be on an ALL BOYS TEAM!!! He played for his school and didn't even mind not winning very often. He will be trying out for the boys High~school team next Spring. Derek has his 8th grade graduation next week in which he will be giving a short speech, and dressing up, and going to a dance! That's a lot of stepping stones in one night and a lot of photos. Im sure I'll be the one with the Kleenex box under her arm. Both Derek and Cody made Honor Roll this last quarter, Ken and I were amazed, bewildered and basically full of proud tears. Its such a blessing to see our boys succeeding and flourishing! (I think you're getting the clue that there is a lot of crying going on over in the Kinzle house, all good tears though.) Olivia has registered with 'Columbia Virtual Academy' for this next school year (an online school), she has her own teacher and is looking forward to her Guitar and Art courses. She's such an artsy girl. She's made new friends at a local Youth Group she attends. She even went to her first sleepover last week lots of fun! Ethan has turned out to be a Baseball nut! Who knew he could pitch, hit and catch so well? He didn't get it from either of us! He still loves his school, and is a bit upset he won't have his sweet Mrs.McCullough next year(me too,sniff). Most of the time he can be found riding bikes through town, with his three amigos,(Miguel,Jesus,and TeeTee,picture to follow.) Miss Firecracker just came back from her first field trip to a Large Cat Zoo. She had so much fun seeing the baby cubs and Papa Lions, but she was quite perplexed that she couldn't find a Liger, that's right, LIGER. Are these real?? Im still not sure?! She will be graduating Kindergarten next week as well, she's so excited to be a big first grader next Fall. So there you have it, and update of sorts. Im just sure, there will be plenty of cupcakes in my near future! Check back for photos if they aren't uploaded yet. Love to All! Kinzle Clan

Naomi's Big Month

Had to share the big events of March, as its coming to an end, already. This month definitely was a month to remember for Miss Naomi. It all started with a special 'Citizenship Award' presented to her for her generous and respectful behavior and attitude, towards her classmates and teachers.Wow, Mama and Daddy are so proud, sniff....sniff... Of course you can't tell by the picture that she was happy. She really didn't want her picture taken, can you tell?ha She did like, the stuffed puppy and chocolate that we brought her though.

Then it was a few hours later that Naomi lost her first tooth. Now thats excitement when you're six for sure! It was even better because the Tooth Fairy didn't forget either.

On top of those majors, Naomi has learned to ride her bike without training wheels!! Exciting times I tell you. But it also means my last baby is growing up. You will find me blubbering in a corner some days, but Naomi has a smile a mile wide! These are the moments a good life is made of.

Valentines Day

It is a bit late but, I wanted to share our beautiful Valentines Day. My lovely daughter Olivia and I made a delectable, 'Blueberry Cream-cheese Pie'. Oh so yummy!We even used my Mom's homemade pie crust recipe. Of course my sweetie brought me the beautiful roses and chocolate too! We had steamed Talapia with Asparagus, (two ways), steamed herbed carrots and wild rice. The children's Grandma Mary also sent the kids their Valentine goodie bags.Oh how they love the boxes in the mail.
It was, and is fun to make a big deal for the ones I love so much!

On to... Soda Lake

Soda Lake Nature Reserve was a great find for all kinds of animal tracks. Im sure Olivia's prints are still there; as she was sinking in he mud up to her ankles to rescue her stranded sister. Ethan couldn't resist comparing his hand to the unknown bird's. My next purchase is definitely a tracking book; but quite sure the bottom is of a raccoon.

Lakes and more Lakes

What a beautiful day last Sunday! We piled in the car with our pic-nic lunch, for some much needed exploring. We found ourselves heading in the direction of the fishing lakes that surround this area. We would just turn down each dirt road that came into sight. What a surprise to find turns and hills that would open up to such secluded and pretty places. We noticed fog was lifting into the sunshine from one area, so we had to check it out. When we came down the road, we were itching to hike around, so we did. The kids loved the hawks that were soaring high above, but throwing the big rocks out onto the ice was the best.

New Furniture!

Ken was in town this morning picking up the new couch. We're all so excited to see our little house coming together. We were blessed to have been given so many hand-me-downs for the house. But it's just plain fun, to be able to pick things out to create your own environment. Our mattress was delivered yesterday along with the new bunk-beds for the girl's room. They are thoroughly enjoying their pink and purple choices. Ethan is going with a sports theme for his room. The teen boys just like black. What is it with teens and the color black?

Winter is Here

Well, I'm finally back. I've been unable to access my blog for awhile. I'm just in time to share our first real winter snow. It's been snowing for two days and there is four more to go. The kids have been so happy, with school delays and now, tomorrow is cancelled.

I have to say small town winters are as cozy as can be. Its so nice to see people walking to the post office and store, not taking the trouble to warm the engines. The children in town have all flocked to the only hill, in this farm country. I suspect 'hoots and hollers', will be heard late into the night; as there is no having to wake up early tomorrow.

As I am writing I'm am so encouraged by a sweet spirit of community. Literally cars are lined up in front of my house because of a woman who has gotten her car stuck in the middle of the road. Do I hear horns blaring or angry yelling? No. I see every single person out of their car coming around and pushing together to help this young woman. My hispanic neighbors my white neighbors even the dogs and children. That is a blessing of small town life, all working together. I wish government was a small town, maybe the politicians should all have to live in small towns. Just a thought.

Look for your blessings-

1) Picture of local farmer plowing neighbors driveway. 2) Local kids with ours sledding the hill. 3)Naomi and Olivia all ready with their new snow disc.

Broken but not Busted/New Year

My dear husband took a fall on a roof at work a couple weeks ago. He literally pulled his arm out of socket and broke the bone that fits into the joint. Ugh and OUCH!!! Poor guy! He just started this new job at the end of November, and here he is shuffling around the house trying to figure out what to do. Tomorrow is a big day since we finally get to go to the doctor and find out how its healing. We are praying that surgery is not going to be needed. We would covet your prayers as well.

On a positive note the New Year started wonderfully, with a weekend long visit to our dear friends house. We also got to visit our church family in the Methow Valley. The kids got to sled all night long and we were back in our Motel by 10pm. How good is that?

Our family is looking forward to meeting a new church family this Sunday, as we will be attending the Calvary Chapel in Moses Lake. So a lot is new, (house,town,job,church,schooling ect.) for the Kinzles in 2012. I believe the Lord has great things in store for us and Im thankful He is drawing our family nearer to Himself.

Blessings!!!