Here’s the story, of a lovely lady, who was
bringing up 4 very lovely kids.
Some of them have glasses on, like their mother,
E’en the youngest one in specs.
Here’s the story, of man named Brian, who was busy
in the Public Safety realm.
He had 6 kids, 3 big, 3 little, and lots of food
storage.
Deb and Brian, grew up together, same county,
church and high school did they go.
School, sports, homework and seminary; great
friends so long ago.
Then one spring day, they found each other, and
they knew that it was much more than a hunch.
That this group of 12 must somehow form a family;
August 8th began the Hirchak-Weidmer Bunch!
We took a trip in June, all of us together, as
sort of a trial run, and camped at Lake Tahoe for a week. We must have all passed the test!! Then, we
spent the rest of the summer moving Brian and his 3 youngest kids to Orem. And, on August 8th, Brian and I
were married! It was a beautiful event,
one we will never forget!!
Half of the garage has been converted into a woodshop. Brian immediately designed and built a shed,
in the backyard, for outdoor and camping equipment. What was once Garrett’s room is now the Boy’s
Bunk House. And though Debbie enjoyed
having a laundry room, after Ashlyn got married, that quickly became Karmen’s
room. And so, after the months of
dating, moving and projects that go along with that, we have all been about
blending our two little families into one big one------ and it has been so much
fun!!
Brian is a Canyon Police Officer for Salt Lake
County. It is a dream job, as he gets to
spend his days in the mountains he loves, and get paid for it. He will often send pictures of the scenery he
adores, so that we can all be jealous of the beauty he is surrounded in. Brian works with the 11 year old Scouts,
which is perfect for him. Garrett is
currently in his group and Sean will join them in February. Brian has been fabulous role model for ALL of
the kids, and I will be forever grateful for his love, laughter and guidance in
our home.
We have been blessed with two beautiful blonde
daughters, in their early 20’s. Brenan
is very creative and loves to read, write and draw. Ashlyn is married to Jordan, and they are awaiting
the arrival of our first grandchild, a grand-daughter, the beginning of
April--- and the whole family can’t wait!!
Both Ashlyn and Jordan are full-time students and great examples of hard
work.
Tyler and Adam are 18 years old. Tyler is a welder and works full-time. He loves the outdoors, especially climbing,
hiking, camping and sailing, just like his dad.
Tyler worked hard this summer to recertify, and proved to us all the
importance of hard work. Adam works
full-time at the Mustang Grill. He has
been able to experience many of the different jobs that a restaurant has to
offer. He also works part-time at Hang
Time, a popular trampoline facility.
Needless to say, Adam is quite popular among all of the younger kids,
and he is kind enough to take them jumping and for a soda, as often as his time
allows. Both Tyler and Adam are great
role models and the best big brothers ever.
Cassidee and Amber are both sporty, spunky and
super fun!! They both play basketball in
high school. Amber also plays softball
while Cassidee also plays volleyball and
runs track. They both act like they have
known each other forever, and have a blast when we can get them together. They both fill our home with laughter and
love, and are incredibly helpful and fun to be around. They are always smiling and usually Karmen,
is not far behind.
Braden is 13 years old and in the 8th
grade. He loves the outdoors, video
games and going to Hang Time with Adam.
He loves family events and ALWAYS wants to sit at the grown up table. He is a leader and very smart. He has a huge heart, loves to read and had a
blast this summer, at his first go at Scout camp.
Garrett is 11 years old and in the 6th
grade. Garrett has loved no longer being
the youngest! Garrett always wanted to
be a big brother! Garrett loves music,
loves to sing and play any and all sports.
He is often found in the neighborhood surrounded with friends and
brothers, organizing a football or baseball game at the park or the
church. Garrett is a great brother, super
son, and fabulous friend.
Sean is 10 years old and in the 5th
grade. Sean is brilliant! Sean loves to have family meals all around
the table and while he has a captive audience, he will tell us about his
adventures of the day. Sean enjoys
playing on the computer and video games.
He also loves late night trips to the grocery store with Amber, and
having his back tickled.
Karmen is 9 years old, in the 4th grade
and LOVES being the “baby” of the family.
She likes to remind everyone, that someday, she will be the only kid
home, and she will get to eat whatever she wants, have the room of her choice,
and be in charge of what we watch on TV.
Karmen loves Barbies, arts and crafts and helping Debbie with cooking
and chores. Karmen loves to pray and to
leave us all notes of love and inspiration, in special places around the house.
I am still a full-time student at UVU studying
Public and Community Health. I have 2
more semesters left!! I still work
part-time at the elementary school where Garrett attends. I love to spend time with the kids, drive
them to and from where they need to go, take them on errands, teach them all
about Saturday chores, dance with them in the kitchen, and laugh a lot!! We go through 100 Ziplock baggies, 40 granola
bars and 6-8 gallons of milk each week.
I do about 20-25 loads of laundry each week, and do lots of night time “tuck-ins”
and “tickles!” Most of all, I have
realized that a Mother heart has no limit!!!
And, that being a wife is just like riding a bike----- it’s something you
never forget!
We have all learned that there are many different
ways of doings things. And, “our way”
and “their way”, really don’t matter.
What does matter is what will work best for our family NOW! And, we have learned not to get upset if
someone does not react in the way that we would react, or in a way that we
think they should. We just take each
day, each person and each issue, and figure it out together, as if it is
something that has happened for the very first time. Brian and I have learned that after being
single parents, we can do anything together!!
And, that step-parenting is really about learning when to STEP-IT-UP and
help each other. When to STEP OUT and
allow time for one-on-one time with each of the kids, which is crucial in a
large family. And, we have learned that
being a step-parent is really about helping the children use us to STEP UP and
STAND a LITTLE TALLER. It is just
another opportunity to make a difference, and change generations for the
better, one child at a time!
We know that, just as Heavenly Father blessed Mary
and Joseph, that first Christmas night, He will bless us as we look to
Him. We know that He has brought our
families together for a reason. And,
that within the walls of our home, something truly holy is taking place. We are grateful for His love and guidance. And, we know that He has and will continue to
place shepherds and wise men and women in our lives, as we seek Him. Heroes are those who are willing to give up
something now, for something better later, in order to lift, love and rescue. We are thankful for the many heroes in our
lives, like each of you. We will be
forever grateful for your love and support.
Merry Christmas!!
Love, Brian and Debbie and kids
www.familieschange.blogspot.com
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