Happy Birthday Londyn!

I can't believe that 6 years has gone that Little Londyn was born into our family. I can't imagine our life without her. SHe adds spunk to our lives. SHe is quite loud at time, and also she seems to show her emotions through punching, pushing, even when she is happy... We will work on that. Londyn is in kindergarten with a sense of style of her own. I figure she is dressing modest and she has a lot of confidence when wearing her clothes so why care if they dont match. I remember when we lived in Utah and she would wear Princess dress up shoes every time she went to preschool. Her teacher would comment that she would cringe every time Londyn came down the stairs because she was afraid she would fall. She has grown out of the princess shoes except for dressing up and has moved onto high heels. I have been able to find the cutest high heels in her size and she loves them. I am sure when they send home the school schedule outlining when gym is and saying please where tennis shoes they are talking about My Londyn. Londyn loves to draw and sadly has surpassed my drawing capablilities and even Jonah's. She loves going to school and she seems to know everyone. That week we got her hair cut for the second time and she wanted it short so we went short... Happy Birthday Londyn!!! We love you!

Tithing

Well all is have to say is that I am a firm believer in paying tithing. The other day I was thinking about all the bills we have to pay and how we still need to pay off last summers trip out west. I was feeling a little discouraged. That day I went out with the missionaries to some ladies house and she was saying how her electricity had been turned off. They asked how much she needed and she said 80 dollars. I thought oh I can help her with some of that money. I love how when times are tough and then the Lord shows you how someone else is having a harder time. After the discussion I went and got some money out of savings and took it to her. That Sunday I paid our tithing for the month and I was still a little worried, But I want you all to know That the Lord looks out for us if we pay our tithing. Today has been kind of a crummy day, so I went and got the mail and I got two things that made my day. One was a thank you note from my mother. Sometimes as a wife and mother we feel neglected sometimes, so that was nice thanks mom. And the other thing was a check for 122.00 from the energy company. I have no idea why, but I believe it was because we pay our tithing. And it was exactly half of what we paid on sunday for tithing.. I feel my day is looking a little better....

half and 16 miler

Well I never got around to posting after I ran my second half probably because I wanted to forget about it.. But before my friend Ashley moved she wanted to run 16 miles, unfortunately I gave up and only ended up doing 10 and the GPS was wrong so the ended up doing 17... Anyway I am beginning to think I need to do another half or something to get back into running... Cool Runnings....

oops School

Well I just realized I forgot to post pictures of the kids first day of school. Jonah started 3rd grade, Londyn is a Kindergarten, and Brick is in preschool. My life I feel has hit another milestone having 2 in school and 2 at home, and then even only having on at home on some days. Brick is having a tough time going to preschool ever since William and I went on our getaway. He goes and they say he only cries for a few minutes then he stops. I hope this will get better. As my life takes on another stage I feel like I have my hand in many pots. YW's is keeping me busy, School is keeping William busy. And the kids are keeping us really busy...

Silence

This past Sunday I had the privledge to teach the lesson on Chasity in YW. Every other Sunday I have the hardest time giving a lesson because they go on tangents about this and that. ANd of course we are constantly go off topic, but for once they were all quiet not a peep out of them. Maybe I should teach that lesson every week......

Our Getaway

Ripleys Aquarium













































I could sit for hours watching these Jelly Fish AMAZING!











I have to say as I am writing this I have bitter sweet feelings. I am excited to go home and see my children, but I have had so much fun on my vacation with William. My parents came over to start watching our kids so we could go somewhere for our 10 year anniversary.William and I had booked a cabin in Gatlingburg,TN. Neither one of us had ever been to Gatlingburg so we decided it would be fun and it has been AWESOME! As we left our home we were so excited for a much needed break and time for each other. We made it to Gatlingburg a little before 7.After we got directions to our cabin we decided to go to the store for some things. While I was checking out I see William talking to some guy and I thought how weird he wouldn't just talk to some stranger. I checked out and walked over and William introduced me to a missionary who served in Louisiana with him. He and his family were on vacation too. We were able to hang out with them a few times. ( do Not ever go to Gatlingburg during Rod Run, traffic is horrible) Saturday morning we were able to sleep in and then enjoy breakfast at one of the many FlapJacks in the area. After enjoying a great breakfast we got conned into some promotion by saying oh if you will go see our exhibit we will give you 2 free tickets to anywhere you want to go in the area. Oh and then he threw in more tickets so of course being frugal we said sure. We had to go to Seiverville which was where the rod run was going on so we tried different back roads to get to the exhibit only to find out that we didn't qualify for the tour. We were a little upset but we just said whatever and went back to gatlingburg and went to some Ripley believe it or not, and some other shops. To make a long story short we have had the best time and I truly believe everyone with kids needs to go away at least once a year. I told William I would gladly watch anyones kids if it meant that they could experience what we have these past couple of days. ( so act quickly) AMAZING! Thank YOU OMA AND OPA for watching our kids... WORDS cannot express our gratitude! We love you very scatter brain of a post sorry!

Jonah's Birthday and Baptism

Well I can't believe that I have an 8 year old. Jonah has been such a blessing in our lives. He has become such a helper in taking out the trash, helping with henry, and cleaning his room. William asked Jonah to pray about being baptized and weather it was the right decision. He kind of drug his feet for a while, but he finally said he got a feeling of joy, happiness etc. It was really cute. He asked his cousin Bryce to speak on baptism and his Uncle Austin to talk on The Holy Ghost. He also had Aunt Pearl, Aunt Erin, and Opa participate in his baptism. It was cute when he first put on his Baptism Jumper he put it on backwards. We had a good laugh. I asked him how he zipped it and he said he was jumping up and zipping at the same time. We have been truly blessed by all of our family members who were able to attend his baptism. We are so proud of his decision and hope for the best for Jonah. Who loves Jonah? MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

Glutten for Punishment

Well about the time William left I have wanted to lose weight for a long time and for some reason running wasn't doing a thing for my weight. So i decided it was time to take care of my life. My friend Driel told me about the Eat Clean Diet and I thought I would try it. It is basically no white flour, nothing processed, no pop, no sugar, no treats there are a few more do not eat.. But I just emphasize the ones I LOVE! Well the first 3 days were super hard cuz I was tired and the kids were needy. But needless to say I have done ok I have had a few breakdowns where I have indulged in the Bad food items. But I have not indulged in sugar or pop because I would owe my friend Driel 20 bucks! I have a goal to lose about 6 more pounds before my anniversary so I have about 3 1/2 weeks to reach that goal I have been stuck at a number for about week and a half on the scale so I am upping it this week and actually exercising and eating right. Here is to healthy eating and feeling better. Oh did I mention I now have more energy. I have been so sluggish over the years and it is because of the crap I have been eating...

I felt like i got a lot done today then I saw the rest of the house and wanted to cry...

Happy Birthday William

Today is a special day it is Williams birthday and of course we don't get to celebrate it with him. He is out in the field in Utah working. Happy Birthday William We love you!!!

Well it has been a while so I thought I would update on whats going on.... Last week I went to girls camp with our branch. My friend and I volunteered to go since no one else in the branch could. It started out really long but in the end we were able to become a more unified branch which was really needed. Jonah had the opportunity to stay at Bryces for the week I was gone. He had so much fun. Thanks Austin and Erin! Londyn went to Oma and Opas for a couple days and was in Heaven. I am sure it was all about her... Thanks Oma and Opa! Brick and Henry enjoyed some time with William at home. They seemed to survive.. William was released as the YM president and I was called to be the YW's president. I am sooooooo excited. William heads out to Utah again tomorrow for field work. So its me and the kids for about three weeks. It should be exciting to say the least.

She wants magic cards

Today while sorting through mail Londyn was opening all the credit card offers and she said Mom, can I get a credit card??? I of course said no she said when I said someday... Also the naked man we saw on our way home in wamsutter wyoming made many news stations I guess after we called in it got interesting he got a hold of a gun, knife and went a little crazy. Truckers formed a barricade around him so he couldn't drive anywhere else..Thank goodness for prayers being said and that we were about 10 minutes ahead of all the craziness. Crazy article if you google it.

HOME!!!!!

Homeward bound!

Well we started the dreadful drive home yesterday. We had some ups and down. Downs were of course saying goodbye to friends and family. We were driving through Wyoming and we saw a naked man walking down the interstate. We then saw about 3 highway patrol cars heading to pick him up. That was a good laugh. We tried to stop and stay the night in three different towns but they no one had rooms, so instead we pulled over and slept for a few hours in our car. We made it to omaha tired, cranky, and with very energetic kids. William, Henry, and I attempted a nap. Well william and henry got a good one the other kids kept bothering me so needless to say I am not the most plesant person. So I am off to bed. Tomorrow we will be home. Now only to last the rest of the way without going crazy!

Londyn

Londyn lost her first tooth! I thought it was fun that she lost her first tooth in the town she was born in. Some things she said were I have been waiting a million years to lose a tooth,and its a dream come true..

Happy Fathers day

Today is one of those special days where we are to think about and wish the special men in our lives Happy Fathers day! I have been blessed to have many men in my life who have influenced me for the good. First I was blessed to have wonderful father who has always been a support to me. He has shown love when love is needed, he has shown discipline when it has been needed. He has taught me many things. I remember growning up and he telling us kids work builds character.. I think of that often since my job is a never ending job. He is an amazing father who loves me!!! Next I was blessed with 3 awesome brothers who individually have blessed my life for the better. My brother Shawn has always been so kind and he always danced with me when I was little. I would put my hand on my hand and say dance! And he would dance with me. My brother Austin is kind, patient and protective. I have enjoyed living close to him this past year to get to know him and his little family. My brother August is a goof he is always making people laugh, even though when I was little he tried to make me disappear with desitin I still love him. I remember being prego with Jonah and he and I had a great time tieing a baby blanket. He is such a cute, protective father to his sweet son Lincoln. I have been blessed by many wonderful brother-in-laws who have set an example for me. Next I have been blessed with a wonderful father-in-law who is a very patient, kind, loving person. I think of him as a teddy bear. I have never seen him to raise his voice at anyone. He loves and supports each of his children. He has passed a lot of these fine qualities on to the most important man in my life my husband. William is very patient with me a little too patient some times. He is such a hard worker considering we have been in school 9 years and 3 more to go. He has a personailty that sometimes seems to scare people away but underneath he is a very kind person who loves me and our children. There have been many more people in my life that have passed on but their legacy will live in our families forever!

I am tall er

Yesterday my sister and I went to the Temple. It was a lot of fun. The best part was finding out that I AM TALLER THAN MY SISTER. All these years I was sure she was taller than me but as we were standing side by side looking in the mirror I was actually taller. Fun stuff!

I have always thought it was pretty fun to see the side of buckets where they have a kid half way in and feet not touching the ground well Henry managed to do that today with a rubbermaid. Maybe they should consider doing that picture on these too since it is obvious that kids can get stuck midair.

We made it!!

Well we made it to Rexburg in one piece.. It was not so much fun in the car. Henry was an angel he hardly cried. Brick whined a little too much. Jonah and Londyn just fought.. I am having second thought about driving home. I do have to say there needs to be an age limit to driving cross country I think it should be about 10 or 12. Needless to say I was near tears when we arrived in rexburg... But we made it...If anyone in idaho wants to get together let me know.

ROAD TRIP

Well right now 3 of our 4 kids are asleep. We are in laramie wy and tomorrow we complete our drive from Ohio to Idaho. I would like to say it was so much fun and that I would love to always drive cross country with 4 kids, but lets me honest. The first day was good but tiring. We stayed in Omaha the first night and the hotel room we stayed in was just a little bigger than our car, the pool was outdoor and not heated, and the kids were wound up. I was about to pull my hair out!!! We made it through the night and decided we would do a later start the next day and it was a bad idea. Demands,demands, demands. I gotta go pottie, stop touching me and the list goes on. We made it to Laramie where we met up with some and good friends and ate a yummy dinner and let our kids play together. We checked into a nicer, bigger room and took the kids swimming and went to bed. We attended church with our friends. For dinner we enjoyed lasagna and rabbit stew. Yup rabbit stew. I have to admit it wasn't that bad.. For updates on all our kids. Jonah completed 2 grade with flying colors, he got the nickname Gummy bear from a girl in his glass, has exceled in swimming and has turned into a great 3rd parent... Londyn completed preschool, has stopped throwing as many fits, enjoys playing with friends, and this morning I found a tick behind her ear. Gross luckily it hadn't embeded in her ear so William was just able to pull it off. Brick is finally potty trained. I have learned that it is much better to do it when the time is right then to deal with accidents. We had trial runs but he wasn't ready but when he was ready it took 1 day and 1 accident. Nice!! He will be starting preschool in the fall has started saying zip it and slapping people.. Not so nice. Henry is a ball of fun... He now shares a room with Londyn has had issues since we left Ohio sleeping I think he doesn't like being out of his surroundings. I hope it gets better. He LOVES strawberry milk almost as much as nursing... William is excited to see all of his family this week, and I am excited for him. It is hard living away from those you love... As for me I am glad I made it through Nebraska and didn't jump out of the car....

mothers day card

This morning Londyn gave me a mothers day card that said,
Happy Mothers day! Dear Mommy, Thank you for buying me sallomi. Thank you for laying with me. thank you for giving me a souveniour. Thank you for taking me to your fired to pick up my rattlesnake. Love Londyn.
I know it had been a while . I have tons of posts but because of time i don't have sometimes it has been difficult to sit down and write and not get bombarded by a million things. If any of you watch the Middle the last episode was so funny it was talking about Mothers day it was soooo funny. Anyway we have had a good day. I have been smothered by cries, hugs, kisses, fighting, basically all the things a mother enjoys in a day. I will catch up more this week i promise.... for now Happy mothers day to all mothers, future mothers, grandma's, oma's, and everyone who just takes the time to smile at a kid! We love you all !

Happy Birthday Henry Bitner!

Well I know 2 posts in two days I am on a roll not really I just wanted to document another one of our sweet kids birthdays. Henry turned 1 today and can I say this year is pretty much a blur. Henry was my biggest baby weighing in at 8lbs 11 oz. I was expecting a much smaller baby since I ran throughout my whole pregnancy. I remember the shoke we felt when we saw our sweet baby, because we thought for sure we would have a girl.( we didn't find out what we were having) I have to say he is such a sweet little boy. I have really enjoyed Henry's chunkieness. He is about 2 lbs shy of Brick and I hardly have a chance to put away Bricks clothes before henry is in them. I have noticed lately that he is starting to defending his own. Today Brick was trying to get in his new car and Henry went for the eyes,screamed at him and scratched him. Henry has been one of our kids that will eat anything and everything. He loves sweet potatoes and mashed bananas. He will pretty much eat anything. I have loved seeing him grow up this past year as he has achieved different milestones in his life. Yesterday he learned how to go down a slide, and we are working on going down stairs. He loves clearing out my cupboard and climbing in. He is into everything, I pick it up he throws it out. He loves helping me as I am loading the dishwasher. He thinks I should load everything he can get his hands on twice. He loves to be on my hip which probably is contributing to my shoulder that has been hurting. He loves it when JOnah comes home and picks him up he has the biggest smile on his face. Henry is a joy to have around and a blessing in our lives. Happy Birthday Henry we Love you!!

Happy Birthday William Brick!

Today we celebrated Brick's 3rd Birthday! He was excited this morning to see the decorations, eat green pancakes ( one of his favorite colors), open presents, play Ninjas with Jonah before he left for school. Brick idolizes Jonah and look up to him and watches his every move. He mimics jonahs actions and when Jonah is done brick is done. SO we are trying to help Jonah understand that Brick is following his example. Brick is full of energy, he loves the colors brown and green, loves mac and cheese, loves playing computer games, (he is our IT guy) I don't know if he ever fixes anything, but he sure does mess up the computer every now and then. But then again how do they learn. He does pretty well for a 3 yr old on the computer. Once you get him on the site he is good even if he is losing in his mind he is winning. It is cute to see the personality that has been developing since his paci went away. He talks a lot more. When he was asked how old he was today on many occasions he said he is 8. We don't know where that came from. He is still not potty trained mostly because I am tired and i would rather deal with diapers then messes. It will come soon I can feel it. Brick is a very caring boy whenever he says prays he always prays for the same thing that Jonah, Londyn and mom will get better. It is cute. He enjoys sunbeams at church and on sunday during sacrament meeting he was looking through his Book of Mormon and he saw a picture of Jesus and he said " My Jesus" We love our Brick so much and we are so grateful he is in our family. I am sure you all have enjoyed many tender moments with our little William Brick. Happy Birthday Brick we love you!!

Henry's first haircut

Well I know it has been a while. Life has been busy. We started the new year off with a resolution to not eat out for a whole month. It was hard for a couple of days but we did it and are going to do it this month too. I have found that I have become more creative in my cooking. It is exciting.. School started back up for William, jonah and Londyn. Which has kept Brick, Henry and I at home most days. They are so fun to watch wrestle and to watch Henry mimic everyone. I did something I thought I would never do again and I signed up for another half marathon. I don't think I like training for this one, because it is cold out and there is snow no fun! Don't ask me what I was thinking. Now it is back to training again and hoping for a better run this time. Tonight Henry got his first hair cut and he looks soooo different. His curls were cute but were getting too girly and William gave all the boys a haircut. Well all for now. More later hopefully!