Building at the Children's Museum

Wesley left last Sunday afternoon for D.C. While there he attended the ACC and an energy conference. They held a reception at the air and space museum, situations always arose to enable him to talk to people that he needed to talk with, and he was awarded the best speaker in his session. He ran by the capital building. He saw the Lincoln and Washington Memorials. Someday we’ll have to go there together with a little more time! He returned Wednesday evening for dinner and re-packing then flew to Denver early the next morning. He gave a presentation, talked with people who research buildings, ate what he dubbed “Boulder Bars” (a granola bar series made primarily of dates), went on a hike, learned more about Dr. Henze on his committee, and enjoyed Colorado, blessed state. He returned home last night/this morning around one. He was scheduled to land here at 5:30, but his flight was delayed, then cancelled. He was the first on standby on an already overbooked flight—but a party of four decided to take the money and wait, so he came home to us! In our family prayer, we prayed for Wesley to return home sooner rather than later if it was best; this was about the time that the party of four made their choice. We’re so glad to have him home! Lincoln has run in every morning looking for him; when he was mad, he moaned, “Daaadddy! Daaaaaaaaaaddddy!” Levi has counted down the days to his return. Keller was very excited to see him on Wednesday and this morning. What an awesome man I married. We’d be a complete wreck without him. We’ve (mostly me) broken two dishes, melted a good spoon in the dishwasher, dropped a variety of things (including the gallon of milk which only cracked the plastic—we saved most of it in an ice cream bucket!), and gone through a lot of surprise laundry.

Everyone is expanding his verbal capacities and ranges. Call. Levi and Lincoln will give you a hurried earful. Keller will provide background music. He coos and gurgles and echoes and laughs whenever we encourage consonants. He practices a lot with his mouth, though, which is encouraging. Loudly. Levi makes a concerted effort to work on the end sound of words (of his own volition). Lincoln seems to have broken his robotic monotone in exchange for a fully expressive slew of everything. In the middle of our plan for the day he told me, “No, no, no. I want to go to the park with Eli today.” I’m trying to determine if I should just give up on the effort to stop the screaming (or maintain it outside!).

Levi rediscovered the cowboy boots. On they went with the athletic shorts. He found some for Lincoln. They transformed into fire fighters. We drew a map, sat in the “truck” seats, drove on the road as shown, and ran to save the people. Amazingly, the fire was in apartment buildings in Colorado. We had to save Dad from the top floor. Levi grabbed “Dad,” carried him carefully down the ladder, then threw him unceremoniously out of the smoke before he went to save others flailing in the flames. I taught him to dribble in basketball and soccer. He has played basketball during the dinner-making hour and we’ve played some exciting soccer in the park. So fun. In the bathtub one night, he stood to do baptisms for the dead and “all our family who need our help.” I’m sure they’re chuckling about that—especially since he begins, “And I have the Priesthood!” Friday morning I asked him what he thought the gender of Holly’s babies were: a boy and a girl. He looked at me like, “Duh.” That afternoon Holly had to go to the hospital (unexpectedly) and ultrasounds showed that he is correct again. Since he could talk, he hasn’t been wrong. (Holly is home now and supposed to “take it easy” now—but okay! Phew!).

Lincoln wore underpants all week, day and night. He had two and a half accidents—one of them at night which I don’t really count. I’m impressed. He likes the RUN to the potty part. He ran down the ramp at church today. Then crashed. And bled. He scratched his forehead, nose, and lip. Thankfully it was just a scratch! That boy barely misses so many disasters! Angels! He put on his shoes, kissed my knees, and said, “I’m going to live with Dad in Colorado. Bye.” In less than two minutes, he was upstairs unloading the suitcases (which are all packed very tightly together!). We went visiting teaching. He determined to sit with me instead of playing in her toy area. He told a huge anecdote about yucky food, chickens, and dairy cows. He has wanted explanations of the world on repeat. (“Why is it stinky? Why did the spoon burn?” times about a zillion). We bought a membership to the children’s museum. They dressed up in construction vests and hard hats to use the tools, but he slipped out of it, “It is too big for me. I will grow later.” Despite the crowd, lunch in the heat outside, the wrong parking garage, and a return to the museum because we couldn’t find a potty—he loved it and even stayed pretty close to me. One of my favorite moments was when he sang out “zaftig” to the tune of “How Firm a Foundation” (his current favorite). His newest phrase, “Mom! You can listen to me! You can talk to me!” when I’m on the phone or helping his brothers.

Keller usually spends my shower time kicking cupboards. He loves the noise. He loves kicking. He surprised me by crawling right in to the walk-in shower, very proudly. Today he inch-wormed from the living room to the kitchen sink. He was happy and gurgling until he found my feet. He looked up at me, smiled, then dramatically collapsed onto my toes and wailed until I picked him up. Don’t tell me my boys can’t communicate effectively. Good grief. He loves eating. He watches his pincher fingers intently. Then he just takes a fist full and shoves it in his face. Not a good idea. I’ve almost convinced him to use the sippy cup, at least for sipping. He needs it since we spend about two or three hours every morning outside; it’s close to 100 by 10 a.m. He’s drooling again and I can feel the beginnings of more teeth. Ouch. He took my face in his hands and giggled (rather than chewing on it!). He likes to grab Lincoln’s face the best; Lincoln loves it too. Keller loves Eskimo kisses--probably because Lincoln rubs their faces together. He also follows Lincoln's example of head banging. If he does it in his high chair it will roll. Oh the things we do  to move. He enjoys playing soccer as I hold him. He loves passing the basketball around. While Wes was gone, we took the opportunity to let him cry through the night. Again. I don’t know if anything is improving. He seems better rested overall though—and has even napped! So, yes. Things are improving on that front.

This week I finished a challenge given by our RS presidency to read the Book of Mormon in 40 days. I always love reading the Book of Mormon; each time seems specially tailored. When the challenge was first introduced, I admit I thought, "Oh, what a nice idea—too bad I'm already focusing on different study." As the day continued, I reflected on the challenge. Someone once commented on the significance of following the prophets’ suggestions instead of waiting for commandments. I determined that if my devoted Relief Society leaders had considered this challenged and deemed it worthy, then I should follow. So I prayed about it and started the next morning. What a blessing. Each day has inspired new connections and helped me talk about the importance of the Book of Mormon with the boys. Equally important, I've gained a greater testimony of the importance of following the counsel and encouragement of my leaders. I've felt the Lord's love for me and for those He calls to guide us. I've felt the significance of Relief Society and the compassion I need to gain. I love the scriptures. I love Relief Society.