Merry Christmas!

From our family to yours...

Can you help?

Around the Branch house, we are making snowflakes in memory of the Newtown Angels. Want to join in? 

Connecticut PTSA is deeply saddened by the tragedy that has struck our Newtown community. We have met with the PTA and community leaders in Newtown and Sandy Hook Elementary to offer our assistance at this very difficult time.  They have asked us to spearhead the following efforts on their behalf:

Snowflakes for Sandy HookPlease help the students of Sandy Hook have a winter wonderland at their new school! Get Creative!!  No two snowflakes are alike. Make and send snowflakes to Connecticut PTSA, 60 Connolly Parkway, Building 12, Suite 103, Hamden, CT  06514, by January 12, 2013.

Additionally, my good friend, Alexandra, started a Lexington group doing 20 good deeds for 20 little angels. If you would like to send a donation or help in any way, let me know! You can drop anything off to me or send my way and I will get it to the right place. Please consider joining us by picking one event! Thank you so much in advance!
Here are some of the details below:

Basketballs and Footballs in memory of Jack
The Columbia Family Shelter is in need of Basketballs, size 3 and 5, and Nerf Footballs. Jack Pinto, age 6, loved sports, especially the New York Giants. This would be a very fitting donation in his memory!

Crayons and Coloring books in memory of Olivia
According to Olivia's family, she was a great artist and loved to draw. In fact, she was currently enrolled in art lessons. Lets donate as many coloring books and crayons to Epworths Children's Home in Olivia's memory!

School Supplies in memory of Catherine
Scottish Rite is a speech and language clinic that offers free therapy to children who are in need of language related services. They are in need of school supplies and gift cards. Lets donate any extra supplies we can find in honor of Catherine Hubbard, age 6, who loved her school and her teachers.

Locals: Run a 5k in honor of Chase
Chase was an active little fella, who at at 6 participated in a triathlon! Lets honor Chase by running a 5k in his memory, The Sandy Hook Elementary Memorial 5K and Half Marathon. Judy Shriner, who runs Stroller Strides Columbia, will be joining us with some of her awesome Stroller Strides Moms. This will be a great event and a fantastic way to remember Chase. Register through http://www.active.com/half-marathon/tampa-fl/sandy-hook-elementary-memorial-half-marathon-and-5k-2013. All proceeded go to The United Way Fund and will directly benefit the families who lost loved one's through care and counseling. Registration is $20, and with each registration you will receive a bib, medal and other "goodies". Lets all get together and do this for Chase and his friends!

Diaper drive in memory of Noah
Noah, age 6, was a twin. He loved playing with his twin sister and was a great brother. Being a twin, I feel as if this deed was a perfect match. A family with twins, who are also special needs, are in great need of diapers size 3. Wouldn't it be great if we could supply them with enough diapers for a whole year!? I know its a reach, but anything is possible. Lets try to collect as many size 3 diapers as possible, in memory of sweet Noah.

Cookies and Lemonade in memory of Josephine
Josephine, age 7, would sell cookies and lemonade in her neighborhood. Let make some baked goods to deliver to nurses who are tirelessly working Christmas Eve. I will be out of town and won't be able to join, but will be baking away for Alex to drop to the nurses!

Book collection in memory of Madeleine
Madeleine Hsu, age 6, was described as an "avid reader". Lets take her passion and pay it forward. Head Start preschool in Columbia is in GREAT need of children's books. Mandy, from Inakaya Watanabe Sushi Restaurant has graciously offered the restaurant as a drop off. Let make this a huge collection to bring to the school! Inakaya Watanabe's hours are 11:45-2 Tuesday-Friday, 5-10 Monday-Thursday, and 5-11 Friday and Saturday. We will be delivering the collection to Head Start January 11th at 9am.

Toiletries drive in memory of Grace
We will be holding a small toiletries drive at The Pastime Pavilion by the Old Timey Meat Market in Lexington, to collect toiletries for the Nancy K. Perry Children's Shelter. Lets make this collection grande in the name of Grace McDonnell, whose family regarded her as a child that was "always smiling". Please contact Mary Kay Rowell and myself for more information. As an idea, any fellow hoteliers out there, my husband was able to donate a whole box of toiletries from his hotel. A great way to help!

Knitting hats for babies in memory of James
Can you knit? I know I can't, but if you can, could you join?
James, age 6, was prematurely born 6 weeks early. This is a deed that he and his family would surely support. Mary McCrary Baylor contacted me about a knitting party she and some other moms are holding, to knit hats for the babies in the NICU. This is such a wonderful gesture and I am so happy to be able to link James to this good deed. If you are unable to attend the party, you can still participate by donating newborn hats, and I will collect them.

Socks and shirts for the homeless in honor of Dylan
The Oliver Gospel Mission, a homeless shelter in Columbia, is in need of men's socks and shirts. Please grab an extra bag of socks or shirts when you're doing your Christmas shopping. We will be making this donation in the memory of Dylan Hockley, age 6. According to his grandmother, he was an angel on earth.

Locals: PB&J's to the homeless on New Years Day in memory of Emilie
Relatives keep referring to Emilie, age 6, as a sweet, kind and supportive little girl. Lets get together New Years Day and hand out peanut butter sandwiches to the homeless outside of Oliver Gospel Mission, from Emilie. They are very grateful for the socks we are donating, but mentioned that once the residence leave for the day, they are sometimes without food until they return at night. Lets provide food for them, in honor of sweet Emilie.


Other ideas are still being worked on, but this is where we are currently. If you can't donate, please pray. Pray for a supernatural strength for these families during the holidays. For peace. For comfort. May we join together and hold this community tight.

If you have stuff you would like to send, please email me and I will give you my address!
kilbi.branch@gmail.com

Our light.

I have been sick, just plain sick, about what happened yesterday. Our world. Our babies. The terror. I can't get my head around such pain. I held my babies tighter last night. I found myself watching the monitor as they slept, just praying for them. For us. For the world we live in. For the precious families that lost a darling little soul in a senseless act.

I read this Christmas Prayer by Max Lucado and was reminded that our savior was born in the dark, that he is our light, our joy, our mighty healer. Thank you, Jesus. Keep shining.

A Christmas Prayer
by Max Lucado • December 14
Dear Jesus,

It’s a good thing you were born at night. This world sure seems dark. I have a good eye for silver linings. But they seem dimmer lately.

These killings, Lord. These children, Lord. Innocence violated. Raw evil demonstrated.

The whole world seems on edge. Trigger-happy. Ticked off. We hear threats of chemical weapons and nuclear bombs. Are we one button-push away from annihilation?

Your world seems a bit darker this Christmas. But you were born in the dark, right? You came at night. The shepherds were nightshift workers. The Wise Men followed a star. Your first cries were heard in the shadows. To see your face, Mary and Joseph needed a candle flame. It was dark. Dark with Herod’s jealousy. Dark with Roman oppression. Dark with poverty. Dark with violence.

Herod went on a rampage, killing babies. Joseph took you and your mom into Egypt. You were an immigrant before you were a Nazarene.

Oh, Lord Jesus, you entered the dark world of your day. Won’t you enter ours? We are weary of bloodshed. We, like the wise men, are looking for a star. We, like the shepherds, are kneeling at a manger.

This Christmas, we ask you, heal us, help us, be born anew in us.

Hopefully,

Your Children

Twinkle Twinkle Christmas Star

Thursday night, Saylor had her Christmas program at school. Talk about cute! The teachers had us sit further back so the kids didn't see us, so no great pictures, but they are in my memory, that's for sure. I have to add, I did sneak around to try and get a photo and sure enough, Say spotted me and was the kid saying "That's my mommy, that's my mommy" while everyone else was singing. Haha! They sang "Twinkle Twinkle Christmas Star" and "Jesus Loves Me." Too cute.

Our family, post Christmas program.

Happy singing, sweet girl! We love you!

The littlest elf.

Alex + Lucy

Dear Chloe, Saylor and Baker,

I am sorry it has taken me so long to arrive. I have been stuck at the North Pole in a snowstorm and I was helping Santa dig out his sleigh.

This year, I brought my girlfriend, Lucy, with me. I hope that’s ok! She loves little kids and can’t wait to hang out in your home with me and help me watch your behavior to report back to Santa.

I saw you last weekend on the train! That was so much fun! Did you enjoy seeing a part of the North Pole? That was very nice of your parents to bring you. I hope you thanked them.

Chloe, I saw you eat your peas tonight. Good girl! Keep it up! You have been doing a great job listening at school and you have worked so hard this year. I know your mom and dad are so proud! Make sure you keep your listening ears on and be on your best behavior. Only 20 more days until Christmas!

Saylor, I saw you peepee in the potty yesterday. Great job! You have been doing great at school, too and are following directions well. Continue to share and listen and I just know Santa will bring you some Christmas goodies. Don’t worry, it didn’t bother him at all that you were scared of him last weekend!

Baker, you don’t understand me yet, but I know we will be friends soon! You sure are a cute little boy!

Remember, make sure not to touch me or Lucy, or we will lose our flying abilities! Have fun looking for me and Lucy each morning after we return from the North Pole! A few other things… eat your meals, say your prayers, listen to your parents and always have fun! 

Love,

Alex and Lucy

What's going on?

Around here, it's been a wave of activity lately. We spent the past weekend in the mountains with friends and had a blast (post coming!). While we were there, we visited with Santa!

We headed home on Sunday to unpack and continue the decorating process around here. Between that, and me making wreaths for people's homes, my house is one big mess of glitter and bows!

Saylor has decided she is ready for the big girl potty. She has used it a few times and doesn't seem phased by it, even when we act very excited. Haha! 

We are gearing up for the holidays around here and are looking forward to so many fun things in the next few weeks. Saylor has her school Christmas program on Thursday evening! I know it's going to be a trip seeing her stand up in front of a crowd of people singing Christmas songs. If I were a betting woman, I'd put my money on the fact that she will not be standing there more than 10 seconds before a "mommy" comes out of her mouth! My shy, timid, little girl isn't going to love this, ha! Baker is getting baptized at church on the 16th and we are really looking forward to that. And this weekend, we are meeting the family we adopted, taking them to church with us, and having hot cocoa and cookies while giving them their Christmas gifts. It is a mom and her 4 daughters and I am really looking forward to fellow shipping with them! Such a special part of the Christmas season.

Tomorrow is the last day of Bible study until after Christmas and I am super bummed. I am really going to miss my Wednesday mornings with the most fabulous ladies this next month. They have all been such a blessing to me and such an encouragement in my life. I am excited to see where the Lord takes us in 2013. 

Hope everyone's week has started off well! I am off to more bow making, decorating and trying to get my mess of a house back in order. Happy Tuesday, friends!

truth.

Photo shoot

I realized in updating my blog, I forgot to post pictures from our family shoot we had back in September. Here's a few of our faves! On a side note, it is a serious challenge to get 2 parents, 2 babies and a 6 year old to all look in the same direction! Ha!

new look!

Well, if you made it this far, you have seen some changes around here! I have had this blog for almost 3 years and decided it was time to make it my own! The sweet gal at Diamond Doll Design, Jessica, worked on this for me and did a rockin' job! She's a delight to work with!!

Funny back story... She asked me to send her a few things I like, colors, themes, etc. I sent a big list! Random colors, random patterns and prints.. all over the board, really. I got an email from her a few nights ago saying she started on a different path and somehow wound up with this (a very similar version of what we went with). I opened up and couldn't believe it... Homegirl hit the nail on the head! I wrote her back and asked her if she had read my mind?!? We had a peacock themed wedding and feathers are flanked all throughout my house! I thought it was perfect and I was so excited.

I sent her proof to Sean and he wrote back saying, "looks just like you!"

Thank you, Jessica, it was such a pleasure! Y'all check her out! She is amaze!

Wordless Wednesday

8 months!

Happy 8 months, sweet Baker! 

(We are a few days late, as your 8 month birthday fell on Thanksgiving day.)

I'm pretty sure I say this every month, but you are such a delight, darling boy! 

Your smile is contagious and your laughter lights up our home 

(even your fake laugh that you love to do!)

You are a joy to be around. Your sisters love you so much. You are happy to go to anyone, are great in the nursery at church and are content just sitting down and playing. You love to bounce, love to play with balls, and make a motor sound with your mouth all the time (such a boy!). You are trying to figure out this crawling thing, but haven't got it down yet. 

You are still such a big, handsome fella! You weigh somewhere around 23 lbs. You are wearing size 12m clothes and size 4 diapers. Your hair is light brown and your eyes are the brightest blue!

You have been nursing twice a day and eating 2 bottles a day, but as of last week, you are eating 4 8oz bottles a day and 3 meals of vegetables or fruits. You are feeding yourself puffs and baby mums and drinking water out of a sippy cup with help. 

You go to bed at 7 each night and have been waking sometime between 6:30 and 7:30. We are still off schedule from the time change! You take 2 naps a day, at 9 - 9:30 and at 1 - 1:30. You usually sleep about 2 hours. You love your blanket and your paci and love to sleep on your side. You are quite the snuggle bunny!

You have 2 teeth (the bottom front ones) and it feels like the ones on the sides are working on coming up too. You say "mama," "dada," and shake your head "no, no!" (which Saylor thinks is the funniest thing ever!). You love for your sisters to play with you and love bath time with them.

This month you celebrated your first Halloween and your first Thanksgiving. You were a darling little scarecrow and one sweet little turkey!

You are a happy little guy and have brought such happiness to our family. I love spending every day with you, snuggling with you early in the morning when the house is still quiet and enjoying your sweet laughter and constant jibber jabber. You are darling little fella, Baker, and we love you so very much!

Happy 8 months, sweet love.

2 year stats!

Last week, we headed to the doctor for Saylor's 2 year appointment. Just like we thought, she is such a little peanut! 

Weight: 25lbs (34th%)

Height: 32.5in (25th%)

Clothes: Size 24m/2T

Shoes: Size 5/6

Diaper: Size 4

Doctor said she looks great, talks great and is good and healthy! I just keep wondering where the time has gone :)! 

Happy Anni, Sug!

Today is our day. Our anniversary. I like to remember walking down that small aisle, in that darling little church, on Bald Head Island.

I think about how I gripped my dad's arm tight and locked eyes with you as you stood at the front. How you smiled when you saw me. How you took my hand and held it in yours as we vowed to love each other for the rest of our lives. I remember the joy that spread through us as our pastor told us to turn around and look at everyone that was in the room with us. I remember the songs, the way you kissed me as I became your wife. 

I remember our first dance and how much we practiced to make sure we had it just right. I remember the toasts, the "raps," the laughter. I remember it all. It was the most fun I have ever had in one night. We were surrounded by everyone we loved, and in one little room, we made memories I will keep with me the rest of my life. 

The pictures are fantastic, but nothing can do it true justice. That day was the best. The very best. This was the day became one. I went from a Miss to a Mrs, and what a joy it has been.

We have loved, laughed and learned. We have moved, bought a house, brought home babies. We have learned how to stand by each other and make it on our own. We have taught each other about faith and true love, about saying your sorry and letting things go (maybe you've just taught me that, ha!).

We have grown so very much. You're my best friend and the love of my life.

Happy Anniversary, sug! I love you!