Sunday, September 15, 2013

I just put the boys to bed and told them a story about Aunt Holly. They wanted to know more about twins (since hers are due in November). They wanted to know more about Lanny and Spencer. “Why don’t we have twins?” Levi wanted to know. “Heavenly Father only sent us one at a time.” Lincoln quieted (for one of the few moments of the day…) then said, “I want a twin!” I assured him that he came by himself. He thought about this then an idea struck him. “WE COULD BUY ONE! LET’S BUY ME A TWIN!” Both boys thought this was an excellent idea and giggled crazily over it. I told them that maybe someday we could think about adopting a twin for them, but not for a while. Something finally clicked with those two this week: they realized they could tell stories, too. They’ve been full of them—fiction, nonfiction, revisions, the works. They can tell you some of the books we’ve read perfectly. And they can tell stories to each other as they go to sleep. The benefits of sharing a room. Keller would love to get in on it—he always lights up when he sees them, even as he tries to avoid being squashed by Lincoln.

Wesley and I had a special fast this weekend. We thought it would be about his work, applications, etc. As we studied throughout the week, though, we realized that what we are really seeking is in Alma 17:9,

             9 And it came to pass that they journeyed many days in the wilderness, and they fasted   much and prayed much that the Lord would grant unto them a portion of his Spirit to go            with them, and abide with them, that they might be an instrument in the hands of God to         bring, if it were possible, their brethren…to the knowledge of the truth…

We need a portion of the Spirit to guide us, abide with us, and teach us to be “instrument[s] in the hands of God.” Yes, Wesley’s work is very important. We feel like he’s been particularly prepared for it. We want to “succeed,” to have quality outcomes, make professional contributions—but all of that will happen if we’re doing the Lord’s will. As we do that, shouldn’t we be fulfilling our purpose of mortality of sharing Heavenly Father’s love and truth? Aren’t we given gifts and desires in order to bless those around us? The opportunity of submitting applications for academic positions and fellowships and conferences (which will continue throughout his career) is really an opportunity to develop relationships with others and show them what it means to be converted. It has been a beautiful experience to fast and prepare together. Yesterday Wesley had a Varsity Scouting training from 8 until 3 then he went to the temple—another great blessing. We’re grateful we live so close to a temple.

Yesterday was also the stake service project. I admit the boys and I arrived a bit late—8:45 instead of 7:45—but we made it there in jeans, with shovels, and we even threw in a ten minute nap for Keller. The best job for us was picking up trash. Despite their disappointment at not using their shovels (they did try to dig up the parking lot) they ran after the little trash we could find. They love serving. They love helping. What a special gift. People commented on how good it was that we came, especially since the “boys can’t do much yet.” I tried not to be indignant. Check out our garbage bag! Check out how happy they are in their Helping Hands vests! And, most importantly, ask them why we’re here. We serve with others because we love the Lord and we want to love His creations (especially His children). We serve out of love, not because we’re necessarily good at it or because it looks nice or any other reason. If we don’t serve now, how will we gain that love later? I know my boys need this foundation. I can’t afford to miss these chances, even if it means pushing our stroller through the dirt searching for small strings or shiny wrappers.

All three boys served a lot this week. We took a meal to a family that lives on the other side of the boundaries: they played well while I whipped it out, sang all the way there, and never complained. The next day we interrupted naps to take some sisters to the Bishops’ Storehouse and they didn’t kick the food we crammed into the van even thought it was really tempting. We had a little girl over when her mom was sick and they showed her through the house and patiently gave her all the best toys and watched very carefully for her hair-bows. They really are little princes. And they endured a preschool lesson on William Carlos Williams and poetry. Granted, we did have wheelbarrow races to celebrate “The Red Wheelbarrow” and Levi worked all day on his coloring sheet (he calls it a painting). They went along with it, and they tried to encourage their friends to as well. Bless them. They are blessings.

Keller crawls confidently, if mechanically, with his knees. Fast. Everything we do in our house is fast and loud. He crawls toward Legos. He crawls to the magnets. He crawls to school supplies. And I hear, “SAVE HIM! SAVE HIM!” He started up the stairs today and the boys took a new spin, “We’ll help him. We’ll carry him!” Then Levi corrected (probably knowing my response), “I’ll spot his bum.” Lincoln helped, “I’ll spot his head.” He tried to build sailboats and bunk beds out of couch cushions with the big boys. Rough play doesn’t faze him a bit. Keller loves to dance. He loves music. He dances through church hymns. He dances to his brother’s conversations. He dances for cookies. He loves cookies. I made some cream wafers/anniversary cookies and froze them. He figured out where I stash them and pounds on the freezer. I’ve been trying to convince him to sign “more” but squawking loudly seems to receive a quicker response. He eats and eats. It seems that he spends most of his life in the high chair stuffing his face. He’s finally drinking more liquids, but he pretends to be a fountain with the formula if it is in liquid. I’m considering making a formula cookie. Maybe I’ll market it. When he’s finished, he starts to angle out of the chair. The high chair is stable enough that we have only needed the tray to keep him safe—until this week. I looked away and then he was dangling happily by one foot, his head just inches from our tile. Save him! Save him! Lincoln noticed first.

Other things that happened in between:

In our adventures around, we went to Lake Pflugerville on a whim. There is a circular web jungle gym. I almost couldn’t convince them to come out. Even Keller was in it trying to climb high. “We are monkeys!”

Levi and Lincoln went to the dentist. They’ve been flossing diligently ever since.

Lincoln: “What are those white things in the sky?”

Levi: “Clouds. I know the most about clouds because I have thought about them a lot. Let me tell you all about clouds…”

Our Relief Society had a clothing swap. The entire gym was full of organized tables. I came home with three Halloween costumes: a robot, a crocodile, and Superman. They haven’t taken them off much since Thursday’s meeting.

For Royal, a poop corner: Levi practiced wiping his own bum. He proudly reported this to everyone he could. It was the first thing he told Wes. Lincoln ran to the bathroom during dinner today then yelled out a play-by-play. “My poop is making noises. Splosh!” Then later, “There’s a little carrot in my poop!” Our order of cloth diapers arrived this week. Keller likes them. They’re cute. So far it hasn’t been a big deal. Wes calculated that buying disposables for a year and buying the cloth ones I like equal out, so after about a year we’ll be savings money on diapers. If you line dry, you save money. We like saving money. We’ll keep you updated on the experiment. I feel a little silly for how excited I am to wash out poop from cloth.

One of the best moments of the week occurred as the boys greeted Wes from work, then dashed upstairs to change into “all white.” They came down, almost quiet, and invited us to witness their baptisms—performed on the couch which acts as the font, or “fount.” They “immersed” each other, pretended to dry off, and Levi set up a little chair for confirmations.  Lincoln sat solemnly. Levi put his hands on Lincoln’s head, scrunched his eyes, took a deep breath, and, “I lay my hands upon you and confirm you a member of the Church and give you the Holy Ghost. I hope you will have the Spirit as you grow up…” I laughed (silently) so hard I cried. Attention to detail matters in this home! They tried to baptize and confirm Keller, but we convinced them he’s not ready… I guess they’ll be ready for the saving ordinances when the time comes!

We love you!

Cole Crew