Happy 13th Birthday Hunter!!

Today is Hunters 13th Birthday. I cannot believe that 13 years have gone by since he was born.Hunter has always the the calm in our crazy storm of life. He has been a constant reminder of what life can be like when always being genuinely happy and positive. I am always amazed at what type of person Hunter is. He is truly gifted with so many things, yet completely humble. Hunter is an old soul, we affectionately call him "Old Man Birch". He loves classic rock, we always tease him that if someone found his I-touch, they would think it belonged to a 50 year old man.I could go on and on about how great Hunter is, but if you know him you already know that there are not words for this kid, He is truly one of a kind! I am so grateful for the young gentleman I have in my life. Happy Birthday Hunter, I Love ya Bud!

The End To An AMAZING Football Season

This past weekend Hunter played his final game. This football season all started back in July. Hunter was on a new team this year, all new coaches and for the most part all new team mates. The first weeks of practice we started to call Hunter old man Birch. He would come home from practice and need an ice pack, icy hot ,ibuprofen and listen to some classic rock. Hunter thought he wouldn't make it through practices. They were HARD. Just watching these boys made me want to throw up. Hunter ended up being one of the bigger kids on his team this year. He has been growing about an inch a month, and has put on 15 pounds this year.( of course none of it fat.... don't get me started!) Hunter had to work hard for positions, If you worked hard you played.Hunter was able to play so many positions this year and learned so much about football. My favorite part was to be able to see him run the ball this year. Where he plays line a lot it doesn't happen much, but the coaches this year gave him a shot, and he ran in a couple of PAT's. I think I was more excited that Hunter was! The team only lost one game during the regular season. We ended up making it to the Championship game. It was honestly one great game, the boys played so hard and everyone stepped up to a new level. We ended up losing to the same team that we lost to during the regular season, they were a great team. Even though it was sad to lose, they played an amazing game! It is even more sad to know that Hunter will not be playing with the coaching staff or the majority of his team next year. Because they are building a new high school and they live in the new high schools boundaries. This year was one to be remembered! GREAT JOB HUNTER!!
I have had so much trouble downloading pictures, but here are some throughout the season. I will keep trying to post more!Of course, the ones that won't download are some of my favorites.

Goodbye To One Of The Greatest Men, Grandpa Oral

On Saturday September 26th our grandfather Oral Birch passed away. I truly feel blessed to have known this man.When Matt and I first started to date, he couldn't wait for me to meet his Grandpa. He told me that "This is one of the greatest men you will ever meet Misty". Little did I know what an impact he would have on my life. Grandpa Oral was such an example of service, faith, and love to my family. He is a true hero, a hero for our family and to our country. Here are some of my favorite photos of Grandpa. I will miss you Grandpa....God Be with You 'Til We Meet Again, LOVE YOU!



Grandpa's WWII picture. Grandpa and Jaxon


My family with Grandpa at Temple Square December 2008
Grandpa reading the first Christmas on Christmas Eve.Most of the whole fam damily at one of Hunters football games.



Both of these pictures were taken in February. I am so grateful we had the opportunity to take these pictures with Grandpa.
My handsome Birch Boys :)

Back to School, Tennis, Football and Homecoming

SO once again I find myself catching up on our blog after a couple of months. Since the last updates Sierra had her sweet 16 Birthday party, we had around 100 kids over to our house , and everything went really well!
We also took advantage of the cash for clunkers program. We traded in the big red truck for a cute little Pontiac G3, primarily for Sierra to drive.That was such a great program!!





Here are the kids back to school pictures. Every year since they were little I have taken a picture on their first day of school . Obviously Hunter is just thrilled about the picture this year. Sierra just decided to give me her smart-a smile. Hunter just started 7th grade and Sierra 11th. I can't even believe my baby is in middle school.



Sierra is playing tennis again on the high school team and is playing singles. Last year she played doubles. Sierra has done really well this year and is getting ready for Region at the end of this month.


Hunter is playing football again this year, and is loving it. He is on a great time and so far this year they are 2-1. He loves to play defensive end and tight end. Go WOLVES!!
This picture was taken just before Homecoming 1/2 time where Sierra performed on the high school dance company. The dance they performed her and her cute friend Jordan choreographed, it was Awesome!!
Here is Sierra in her homecoming dress. She looked stunning. My good friend Marnie did her make up and a cute girl in our neighborhood did her up-do. Sierra went with Skyler. They had a great time!
Sierra and Skyler

HAPPY 16TH BIRTHDAY SIERRA!

I cannot believe 16 years have passed by so quickly since I delivered my beautiful daughter. She has brightened all of our lives with her radiant smile, pure heart and amazing spirit. Sierra you are a true blessing and I love you so much HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Enjoy some fun pics of my Berra Boo!

Big Time Slacker!

So because I am such a big slacker here is a quick update on our family over the past months. The pictures are in such random order. I am really going to be better about posting, for several reasons. First, Kim and Ryan moved away, far away, so I want them to be able to still keep in touch. Second, Josh was making fun of me because I still had Christmas stuff... yeah I deserved it :) and it is just fun to do! So enjoy a little glimpse of Birch paradise since January.

This is Joel McHale, from The Soup, he is so stinking funny. Matt and I went on a date Friday night to see him. It was so much fun, and we hadn't been on a date in such a long time. We had a great dinner, went to the show and then to dessert with friends.
This is Hunter winning the National Geographic Geography bee at his school. On the last day of school he was presented with a plaque that will remain at his school as being the winner this year. Pretty cool :) Below is a picture from his last day of school ( Hunter is in the gray shirt), elementary school. He is heading to Jr. High. Hunter was accepted into a gifted program in his middle school. We are so proud of him! Although, I am feeling really old that my baby is going to Middle School...

This is Sierra at her year end recital for the studio she teaches and takes ballet from. She looked so beautiful and did a great job.
Every year Dance Company does a year end social this is Sierra with her date Alex and friends Kaela and Tyson.
In May the Boys and Girls tennis team decided to have a first annual Beauty vs. the Beast tournament. It was so much fun to watch. Sierra played awesome and I think had a great time even though she lost.
Easter pics:)
Obviously the date is so wrong on the picture, but this is from 6Th grade field day. They played capture the flag, freeze tag and some other outdoors games, and then had root beer floats. Later that night Hunter went to the Bees games with his friend Nick. They had the suite, catered dinner and met Bumble and the Bees cheerleaders. Needless to say Hunter had a great day!
Hunter on the Klondike with his scout troop. Matt was able to go up on this cold overnighter and they had a blast. They did all sorts of outdoors survival things, and had a lot of fun. Looks too cold for me though :)
Sierra in her prom dress, with her favorite guy Hunter.
This year for tour the high school dance company went to California. They were able to perform at Disneyland. It was such a great time, I was able to go along and chaperon and we had great weather and so many memorable experiences. Sierra made dance company for next year as well and will be their Social Representative officer. Way to go baby!
Tuesday before leaving for her California trip with Dance Company, Sierra went to the ER and found out she had the flu. She was so sick and this is her on the plane ride to California. Sierra was such a trooper the whole trip even though she could have had every excuse to stay in bed all week. Before she left she passed along this wonderful virus to her brother. SO instead of Matt and Hunter having some guy time while we were gone. Hunter spent that time puking his guts out!
Our friends Amber and Josh have a photography business, they do awesome work!! Here are some fun pics from our sitting. There is one I am just hold out, Matt knows what I am talking about. I am just saving it for the right time or for blackmail.

Hunter and Chris shredding up at Solitude. Chris was so generous and took Hunter up for a day of boarding, burgers and probably babes... They had a great time Thanks Chris!

More to come soon...........