A "motorcycle"

Red Velvet Cake! (Okay, no caption needed here)

My life is totally awesome. He said, "MOOORE!" after this.

One of the few pictures where he's not stuffing rocks or unsuspecting bugs in his mouth...

Happy Anniversary Chad and Christine! I’m so glad that you’re married. I’m particularly grateful for your second child (although I really, really love them all). I found a picture of you standing at the Logan temple somewhere near the time you were married and Levi exclaimed, “Gram! Pop!” The good things just get better.

On our way home from church (which was a longer event today due to choir before and a scout thing after) we heard, “Eeehhh…” slosh. And Wes: “I think that was barf.” Poor distressed Levi gushed and panicked about his white shirt and blue tie. He recovered enough to say, “I need Coke! With a red straw!” I thought about Rosey and what a hero she’s been with three boys doing this for over a month, little-to-no sleep, plus everything else in life—throw in a few emergencies to boot. Levi’s bug strangely filled us with gratitude for the examples of patience and perseverance in our family, for the perfect timing (on our way home and not very far from it!), for the sweet personality he has, and for the compassion these brothers share as Lincoln tries to stroke Levi and says, “Uh-oh! Uh-oh!”

Earlier this week, I walk out of my room to see a bare body proudly displayed on the upstairs window. Levi stripped all of his clothes off, climbed on the extra bed into the window, and peered happily out. What happened to the days when he refused to pull his shirt up due to modesty? I said something about protecting our bodies and keeping them safe, etc. etc. And he grins at me, “No want privacy! SHOW body!” Well world, enjoy the show.

Lincoln keeps me dashing around. He clambers up onto chairs, tables, and I know one day I’ll find him on the fridge. Levi taught him how to properly climb off the chair. Hallelujah for that! The first few times he plopped right on his face and cried not out of pain (although it must have hurt) but because it ticked him off. He tipped a chair over while in it and bashed against a window. I promise I watch my kids (perhaps too hovery even); he’s just so fast! Thankfully he discovered the joys of hide and seek and that can distract him from almost anything. He has locked me in closets and rooms all week, laughed, then started yelling, “MOM! MOM!” as if he has no idea where I am.

They give high fives, mostly to each other. They find the bread pans, use them as shoes, and ski across the floor. Lincoln helped me tuck in sheets and put pillows on the bed: Levi melted down because that’s his job. We’re learning to share the best things in life. They began playing with the pirate ship and castle people in earnest this week and it’s adorable. Who knew that pirates walking up stairs could be so awesome? We went to a park with bouncy motorcycles. It is now the “Motorcycle Park” with one toy for “Linc and one for Levi!” We also listened to Henry and Ribsy driving around. They’re into fish and fishing now.  And dogs, but that’s not new.

The big news of the week: We’re officially moving to Colorado! We found out on Thursday. We’ll leave here the 15^th, hopefully have a place lined up to dump into, load back up and spend a week-ish in Utah/Idaho before Diana and Kelly hitch up. There’s the plan. It’ll probably change.

Wesley is excited to learn more about programming, work with new people, and escape Texas heat. I’m excited to not chase scorpions around, to dig through all of our stuff and cleanout as we pack, and to begin a new journey. It’s a comfort to know when you’re doing the right thing.

In the meantime, Wesley is completely swamped. He worked for about eleven hours yesterday grading tests, preparing for presentations, and basically figuring things out so he won’t drown in the upcoming week (not that he ever seems stressed or even unpleasant. Bless him!). He’s tired; he totally rocks my socks. Especially since he walks in the door beat and then plays rounds of entertaining and creative basketball with the boys. His preliminary research proposal defense is on May 3 (it’s the defense of his dissertation idea), so he’s also been doing that. Go Wes!

Yesterday I hosted a baby shower for my friend. My little sister’s response, “Do you even know what a party is? Are you sure you can do that?” Thankfully, someone else took over decorations. Since parties are obviously not my strong point, the whole event was pretty low-key, but we did have some awesome red velvet cake, almond chocolate chip brownies, a fruit tray, and a vegetable tray. I think she enjoyed it. That was the main goal. Success!

I’ve been thinking all week, in many contexts, how humility requires courage. I’ve been thinking about the Savior’s courage and humility in saying, “Not my will, but Thine,” and meaning it with his entire being. I want to let go of my silly things and be able to do this too. A scripture that has always inspired me, but is more poignant in this context is Helaman 3:35: “Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God.”

We started keeping little notebooks to record our promptings in—as suggested multiple times by many apostles, particularly Elder Scott. We’re trying to talk about them during our scripture study. We’ve tried this before. We’re determined to do better this time. Any ideas?