I'm cute, I know!

Miss Sneaky Sneakerson!

Today I noticed that Bethany was very quiet. I didn't think too much about it but then every once in awhile she would come in the family room and would be eating something. I thought she had finished her cereal so I didn't know what it was? Well, I decided to quietly follow her to the kitchen. Low and behold our little munckin discovered where we kept the cereal and was having a grand ol' time chowing down by herself. There were several boxes open, leisurely grabbing handfuls one at a time. Sometimes she would put them in her little bowl other times straight to her mouth! She was very proud of herself!! :)

Unfortunate happening

Last Friday night, Brady had an accident. He was not too happy with us, because we made him go to his room to clean it up. Well, while he was cleaning and probably because he was upset too, somehow a plastic part of his soccer goal got rammed into his mouth. When we first heard him yell, originally we thought it was him getting mad at Bethany. But as he walked down the stairs holding his mouth crying we realized that was defiantely not it! We ran him to the bathroom and I started cleaning him up. I thought it looked like he did some damage to his mouth, but I did get the bleeding to stop. After some consideration we decided not to take him to the hospital. I worried about him the whole night, I just didn't feel right about it. The next morning came and he was having a hard time eating and it looked swollen. So we took him to urgent care, right away the Dr said, "yep I'm going to have to stitch it up!" I felt terrible!
So Brady got two stitches under his tongue. He's doing ok now, they don't seem to bother him. The first couple of days were rough though. He's on an antibiotic to help with any infection that would maybe start. The stitches are supposed to dissolve in about a week. We're praying it doesn't affect his speech, the Dr was pretty careful and he said he didn't think he stitched it too tight. So we are just supposed to watch after the stitches fall out.

The moral of this story is: If you have a gut feeling that your child is really injured, just take them in just to be on the safe side! It's not worth the worry and the chance!

Christmas Gatherings!

This Christmas took us MANY different places! We traveled quite a bit. Everything went pretty smoothly. The only down fall was that I got sick, wouldn't you figure! Argh! We still made many happy memories. We were able to see almost all of our family. We missed the Alabama clan and a few Richmond peeps. There were a few in IL that we were unable to see also. The kids absolutely loved seeing everyone, especially playing with cousins that we rarely get to see. We are so blessesd to have such a big wonderful family!!

We went to my parents early this year, seeing we would be in IL over Christmas. Grams and P-pa spoil them rotten! Well, not rotten, they're too cute to be rotten! :)

We did Kirk's family after Christmas this past Saturday. We actually had it at our house. It was really nice having everyone here. It has always been one of my dreams to have a big family Christmas at my house. I know it won't happen here every year, but I would definately do it again!! We had a nice time with each other. The kids are just so funny around each other. The girls especially. And yes they all got spoiled once again by everyone! :)

New Years Eve and New Years Day, we just stayed home. Kirk and Bethany got sick so we just chilled around the house and relaxed. It was nice just to be home.

I've added some pictures of the gatherings. It would take me forever to upload all of them so I just picked a few from each event. I hope you enjoy them!

Have a terrific new year!!!

Christmas Morning

Before the paper went flying, we were able to get a picture of the kids and Daisy in front of the tree.

(Yes, our kids are cheese balls!)

Merry Christmas!!!

Meeting Abigail!

Saturday we were able to go to PA to meet our new niece Abigail Grace! She is such a cutie! It was so great to finally get to hold her. She has a lot of Christy's expressions, especially her one little dimple. She's got a lot of Birch in her too though. We all agree that Abigail looks a lot like Bethany did when she was that age. It was such a good time. We are excited to see her as she grows up.

Eric and Christy, you are in our thoughts and prayers with this transition time. You guys are going to be awesome parents!!! We love you!

Love the baby!

PartyTime!

Brady had his first real birthday party with friends this past Saturday! We had it at Chuck E Cheese, it was so much fun!!

Happy 5th Birthday Brady!!!!!



We love you!!!

She's here!

There's a new Birch in the family!!

Abigail Grace
December 5, 2006
8lbs 12oz 20.5" long

Congratulations Eric & Christy!

We love you guys and we can't wait to meet our new niece/cousin!!!


Update: My dad emailed us this picture!!

Giving Thanks!

I/we have so much to be thankful for this year! It's been a wild year of ups and downs, but we wouldn't trade it for anything. Over the past 3 years we have learned about patience, I'm so thankful that we were able to learn it. It's made us stronger people and a stronger family.
I'm thankful for the chaos that is in our lives. Does it stress us out and take us to our breaking point alot of the time, most definately. But when we look back on that it's so wonderful! :) Wonderful chaos of the two gorgeous kids who are so full of energy. They run and play hard. They make us laugh. And even right now when Bethany is screaming at the top of her lungs because Brady once again has shut her out of his room, WE ARE THANKFUL!
We are thankful for our home, we have a roof over our head! Although our home is frustrating at times, at least we have a home.
I am thankful for my husband! He has made me happy and sad(at times) for 7+ years. I'm thankful for our ups and downs, they have made us love each other and respect each other more. The sad times are far and few but after those times the light of happiness shines through and our connection keeps growing. I am so pround of my husband for being the hard worker that he is, providing for his family no matter what. We are thankful for God providing a wonderful new job for Kirk, a perfect fit that we really didn't consider until we felt God's gentle nudging this summer.
We are thankful for our family!!! Family is so important, whether it's just to hear a hi, having a shoulder to cry on, help when we need it, a supportive word or just to go on a shopping adventure! We love you all so much, even those where the miles seperate us, you are ALWAYs with us!
Our friends, both new and old, thank you for being there to give us a laugh when we need it or a supportive ear to share our worries. We are thankful for your friendship!!
We thank you Jesus for the life that you have gave to us! Thank you for making us whole. We love you!

Happy Thanksgiving to our family and friends! May you have a wonderful time of celebrating with the ones you love!

Love,
Kirk & Amanda