Another Golfing Clip

And Then There Were 3

Come January next year, Brian and I are going to be out-numbered. This kiddo's already packin' some punch. I don't know if it's because I didn't have two other kids to take care of or if I've just forgotten, but I swear I wasn't this sick with the boys. I know it's all worth it in the end though. In fact, it already seems to be lifting a little(knock on wood).
I'm completely neutral on my guesses for the gender. Lucas is quite certain it's going to be a girl. When I first told him, I asked him if he thought he would have a brother or a sister he said without hesitation "sister and I'm going to call her sweet baby, because she is going to be a sweet baby." Brian will never say a word either way before we know for sure. He always tells me afterward what he thought it would be(and he was right with both), but he thinks he's jinxing it if he says it out loud. We certainly do have some cute boys though, so I wouldn't pass up another.
Wish us luck. I've heard from multiple sources that three is the hardest(one source being a mother of 8!)

Two pretty girls!

On May 28th, my sister Jill welcomed a new little girl into their family making this their third. Bridget is such a doll. She is such a good baby and an absolutely beautiful girl! I must say her bowels were quite active for our little photo shoot, but we kept plenty of towels handy and it all washed out just fine.
Amy "Elena" is the newest addition to the clan and the first for my brother Steven and his wife Natalia. I could not believe how easy this girl was to shoot. She was so pleasant and I know it sounds unbelievable, but this girl has been smiling since she popped out(it's not gas I promise). Not only that, but she is sleeping through the night and has been for a couple weeks!!
We're so happy to have these two little sweethearts in the family.

Fun at the Bitner's

Henry's Two!

I can't believe it, but our little Henry is officially a toddler. I love everything about this kid. He's been an absolute angel since the day he was born. Mischievous yes, but still an angel. He's hard to get mad at or discipline because any time I try I usually end up just laughing at him. He just eludes cool in everything he does, from his studly muscles to his perfect golf swing. He's a hoot and our family just wouldn't be the same without him. Happy Birthday big guy!

Torrey Pines Experience

From left to right: David Robertson, Me, Russ Wilding & Scott Horrocks

If you notice, Scott is down behind the tree trying to spot nudists on the nude beach. He probably wasn't expecting just four guys.

Torrey Pines was such a beautiful course. I hope to play there again some day.

Must See!

I found this video on someone else's blog, and was so touched, I wanted to post it too. Please take the time to watch. I'm sure you will find it as inspiring as I did.

Welcome Finn to the Family!

This last month, Lucas and Henry received their first cousin on the Bitner side. Adorable little Finnley. He is an absolute sweetheart!

Look who's 4!!

Four years ago was a pretty life altering time for our family. Brian had just had his first malignant tumor removed, along with several other surgeries for just about every complication he could invent. Lucas delayed coming for nearly a week (actually if it wasn't for pitocin it would have been much longer), so his dad could be there to see his birth. Our spirits were quite low and emotions were very close to the surface. After a dramatic day of labor (nothing seemed to come easy at this point), Lucas finally decided it was time to take his first real breath. The first thing he did was grab onto Brian's little finger. He lifted our spirits in a way that we never knew was possible and while we still have our ups and downs, he always keeps us laughing. It's a little late, but HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUDDY! We love you more than you could ever know.

Fun in the Sun

Recently Lucas, Henry and I made a long overdue trip down to Arizona to visit my Grandparents and Aunt Jane along with my parents and brother(we arrived the day after they did). We use to go down there every year, but I haven't been since having the boys. It has always been one of my favorite vacations and this time certainly didn't disappoint. The moment we got there, they had a whole spread of my favorite foods and an Easter egg hunt prepared for the boys. If you've ever met my grandma Irey, she probably knows all of your favorite foods. She is an amazing cook and the whole menu for the week was in typical Grandma Irey fashion. We were in heaven. It's so funny how sometimes doing nothing can be so fun and memorable. The weather was warm and gorgeous, and even though the pool was borderline ice water, we couldn't resist the urge to jump in a few times. We were also able to spend time with two of my other aunts that live down there as well as some cousins.

The week ended with a hilarious evening of melodrama at the "Gaslight Theatre" courtesy of my sweet grandparents. Even being there for a week, the time to leave came much too quickly. I'm so blessed to have such amazing grandparents, and I can't wait until we can make it down there again.

Easter Parties!

There are so many wonderful things about having a big family. One of them is the amount of parties that surround a single holiday. I suppose not all big families would have 4 celebrations, but fortunately for us, we're all the celebrating type. Since the boys and I were headed to Arizona on Easter Sunday, the Easter Bunny made a special early trip just for us on Saturday. Lucas slept out on the couch and the Easter Bunny jumped right over his head -leaving his footprints;)- without even waking him. We all got a kick out of that. After finding our baskets hidden around the house, we got ready and made a trip out to the Bitner's for an Easter egg hunt and dinner. This is one you don't want to miss folks. We're talking cash and I made a HAUL, finding the $20(a new addition this year) and one of the two $10s! Big thanks to Mama and Papa Bit.

We went on to have two more egg hunts the following week. One in Arizona with my Grandma and Grandpa Irey, and one back here with my Grandma and Grandpa Wilding. We are certainly spoiled to have so many incredible and generous family members around. The boys still have all eight of their great-grandparents and are the first two grandchildren on the Bitner side. We love every minute we get to spend with all of them and can't seem to do it enough.

Look out GQ, here I come!!!

Anyone know of any good modeling agencies?

A Day in the Life of Mischief(a.k.a. Henry)

This morning I woke mommy up with another diaper full of diarrhea. Then, I really only wanted the marshmallows out of my cereal, so while mommy was doing her hair, I decided the milk and purple cereal would look better on the newly washed table runner. I also thought the apples and oranges would better serve as balls than fruit. After mommy ruined the fun by putting the fruit on the counter and starting the wash, I decided it was time for a little coloring. So while she signed Lucas up for preschool, I whipped out the Sharpies and had a go on the counter tops, fruit, new calender, and of course, myself. Somewhere in here I also broke her headphones. After my bath, I really didn't want to get dressed, so I ran away and peed on the carpet. And all before 11:00am. Sadly, it's nap time, but after that, I will still have plenty of time to have fun before bed. It's a good thing I'm so cute.

Mischievously,

Henry

My Little Pick-Me-Up

Yesterday was my cleaning day, so I spent most of the day in my cleaning clothes. In the evening we decided to go to Arctic Circle for a little ice cream and playtime, so I decided it was finally time to look presentable. I threw on a hat and some clothes and came out to leave with the boys, when Lucas looked up at me a bit breathless and said "WOW! Mommy, you look beautiful!" I think my heart smiled.

Ready to Harvest

Elder David Bitner has officially begun his 2 year service for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We are so proud of him and his willingness to serve. He is such a wonderful example to us and our boys. Lucas said it well at breakfast this morning. When David asked if Lucas was sad that he was leaving, Lucas said "No, I'm just going to miss you." We are all going to miss him dearly, but are so excited for him to begin this next journey he has chosen to take. Russia is sure in for a treat!

Dinner at the Bitner home

Guess I was a little too slow making dinner. Henry has learned to fend for himself and Lucas sure wasn't going to miss out on the fun.

What a year!

When I look back on 2009, so many emotions come to mind. We've had quite the year with some bumps, but so, so many blessings. In short-

Lucas turned 3-DISNEYLAND-Golf-Cali-Cabin trips, Bitner and Wilding-Camera-Henry turned 1-Golf-Finished first marathon-Bear Lake-Golf-Wicked-Dan came home-Lake Powell-David going to Russia-Golf-Preschool-Brian's surgery-lots and lots of family fun-New Moon-Nursery

...to name a few highlights.
Brian and I celebrated our 6 year anniversary this weekend. It's funny how it seems to have flown by, but when I think about all that we've been through, it seems like an eternity. I'll never look back on that day with anything but sheer happiness. Marrying Brian was the best decision I have ever made. One thing I have learned over that time is that there are things in life that are simply out of our control, but our attitude is something we CAN control even if we don't want to sometimes. I've heard that goals are nothing but dreams until written down, so as I start out this new year, my resolution is to enjoy every minute I can and don't waste time fretting over the future and what might happen. Love you Bri! Here's to many more happy years together.