Miracles and Mayhem

We just updated our family rules and consequences. Holding councils with little boys is quite entertaining because they include lots of motorcycle and basketball breaks—but in the end, we have a plan! Our rules are pretty simple: 1. Listen to Mom and Dad the first time, 2. No climbing 3. Be kind (no hitting, biting, kicking, etc.), and our newest one 4. Be affable (no screaming, whining, general amiability). “Hark! Hark! Hark! ‘Tis children’s music! Children’s voices, oh, how sweet…” at least that’s the hope.

I loved the RS meeting last night. I loved the focus on the Savior and our covenants. When Sister Burton expressed the importance of teaching children how to make and keep a simple promise so they can understand covenants I thought, “Oh yeah! Duh!” I loved the images of the Provo Tabernacle/City Center Temple. Sometimes we need to be “gutted” by fire in order to understand and fulfill our true purpose and potential. I’ve been refining my questions and preparing for conference for a couple of weeks. This session I was prompted to take notes differently. I split my page in the middle. One side is “Ways I’m Succeeding” and the other is “Things to Do/Change.” I have other answers I’m looking for, but this really helped me focus on what the Spirit needed to teach me last night. I’m excited for the rest of our conference meetings. And WOW! What a choir! All of those beautiful women excited to share the gospel. What an inspiration! Much of the inspiration I received came through the music.

On Monday we finally traded in our Idaho licenses for Texas ones. Technically we don’t have to since Wesley is a full time student. We’re not “permanent.” We haven’t worried about the hassle of it for three years. The more we thought about it, the more we determined we needed to repent. Why linger in the gray area? Isn’t our integrity worth more than the $500 it costs to switch over (and the Idaho plates and cards…)? Are we really honest in all our dealings? We finished it all in one day only by a miracle. The boys trooped along without complaint. They especially liked the vehicle inspection at the auto shop. “I like veHICles!” says Lincoln. Now one of the Idaho plates is framed above our kitchen sink. We love Texas. We remember where we are from.

After that, someone rear-ended Wesley in a left turning lane. The man didn’t even get out of his car; he was upset that whiplashed Wes wanted to talk about it. They decided to just part ways since the car is just a little dented. This has convinced Wes that he needs to go to a chiropractor. His neck needs it.

We’ve been praying to see opportunities to serve, especially during this time when Wesley’s work requires us to focus on ourselves. Sunday we invited another family for dinner. Mondays we host playgroup. Tuesday we watched a little girl while her mom went to the doctor. We also meet up with our friends across town on Tuesdays and we shared testimony of family with them. Wednesday Wesley left for Chicago, so we invited my VT companion’s family over for dinner since her husband was out of town and she’s pregnant. Thursday was preschool and a meeting for PALS; my friend Jessica watched Lincoln so I could go. People oohed and aahed over Keller so I testified of family again. Friday we went visiting teaching, and then watched kids from a few different families for a few reasons (six kids with Levi as the oldest. We know how to adventure! We built fishing poles and went “fishing”, raced on the stairs, sang, read stories, ate snacks—party!). Because we watched one boy his parents were able to go to the temple without worry for the first time in a long, long, long while. We had a blast. Yesterday we took a family to the Bishop’s Storehouse. The Lord answers prayers. I’m grateful we’ve been able to serve, increase our love, and share testimony. I’m a little socially overloaded, though. Today is the day of rest. This introvert appreciates a bit of space before jumping back into the fun tomorrow. We have this huge house and awesome toy room. I know one of the reasons we’re here is to share our house and use it to bless others—in a variety of ways.

Wesley left for Chicago around 4 a.m. on Wednesday. He shared a room with his colleague. Wesley shares the gospel in the way he lives. He always begins his day with scripture study. He speaks kindly. He cares about others. People notice this, comment on it, and respect him for his integrity and goodness. He gave a presentation Wednesday afternoon, spoke with basically everyone at the conference (it was a smart grid workshop for people who work in controls—so a small group, about 20 people). The conference went from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Thursday. He returned home Friday around lunch. He didn’t see much of Chicago, yet he met some great people. And worked. Tomorrow he submits a fellowship proposal for a post-doc, slides for his presentation in San Diego this week, a paper. Throw in academic applications. (We plan on submitting around 30 or 40 applications). He worked all day yesterday on his proposal. Wesley works steady and strong; he does not procrastinate. It’s a humbling experience to have so many blessings and requirements. We’ve spent a lot of time praying for strength and added capacity. Levi asked him last night if he could stop working so much.

Levi woke Monday full of excitement. “We change sheets on Monday!” Last week he helped Wesley surprise me by making our bed—so he wanted an official quilt and shams on his as well. I told him we could when we change sheets without realizing what a big deal it was. Both the boys joyously have blankets on their beds to guard them from the A/C. Levi’s enthusiasm bubbled over about our new composter (thanks to a special rebate through the city of Austin. Whoohoo!). Spinning old food and leaves has never been so amazing. Levi led the chorus of “I’m SOOOO Glad When Daddy Comes Home” all day Wednesday through Friday. He also decided to marry Cameron—a girl at PALS—rather than Hannah.

Through a lot of screaming, I often hear Lincoln yelling, “I’LL HELP!” Usually he does. Even when he sits on Keller so he can’t climb the stairs unaided. He shared with all of our friends so well, going out of his way to give the grand tour (including the bathroom, very important for all of our visitors!) and help them feel welcome. He loves tools. He found the tool page in the Richard Scarry Word Book. As a result, he’s carried the book around everywhere: to bed, to breakfast, to the park, to the van…And he sings. Loudly. “The More We Get Together” was probably heard all over the city, the store, the roads. At least we’re happy!

Keller’s teething. He screamed at night. At day. And then he’d see a female. During church he flailed around, then found different women to flirt with. This seemed to distract him from his pain. He’s starting to sign for “food” and “drink” which is super helpful. And we’re finished weaning. Out of formula. Starting milk this afternoon. Way to go, Keller! He stands briefly. He thinks about walking. He loves our friends. He’s funny and comfortable with his peers and most adults, yet he really likes playing on his own. They’re all entertaining to watch as they develop.

We’re learning. The Spirit teaches us day by day. Can you overflow with blessings? We are flooded with them.