Miracles and Mayhem

Let’s just start at the beginning! So much for artful organization. I don’t even know how to do that anymore!

Monday: Since it was an assessment day for the school district, Levi did not have school. This correlated nicely with a free day at the Natural History Museum. We only skimmed part of the space section and dinosaur bones. There are four levels, a “discovery zone” for kids, a huge spot for preschool projects and story times, mummies, a planetarium, IMAX theater (currently featuring stuff on D-Day), and so much more. The current obsession is eagles. I think this came about since Levi’s school mascot is an eagle (hence, they SOAR by being safe, on task, and respectful). The boys spent 15 minutes in front of the panorama of golden eagles and another 10 in front of the bald eagles. After a few minutes Lincoln noticed the rabbit in between the talons of an eagle. “Is that rabbit already dead? Did the eagle kill the rabbit?” Then he started crying, which was really cute. “But! But! I really like rabbits! Sometimes I am a rabbit! I’m going to kill that eagle!” This was the point when we decided to go somewhere else in the museum. That night he tearfully reported about the rabbit to Wes and also his revenge plan.

Levi has discovered nicknames. I told him we used to call him “the Levster” and he thought I said the “Love Monster”—either works!

Levi wanted to bear his testimony last week but we didn’t have time or substantial preparation to ensure a positive experience. For FHE we had a family testimony meeting. We shared a very tender Spirit. Levi told us that he knows that Jesus loves us and that the scriptures are true. Keller stood on the chair (pretend pulpit) and smiled at us. All of our kids are such powerful people. We glimpsed them in a bit more of an eternal perspective.

Wesley hosted a professor that his group is collaborating with on Monday. He went to work early and stayed late. Now the two sides understand each other more; the work is exciting and moving forward. Hurrah!

Tuesday: Lincoln, Keller, and I picked some concord grapes from our back yard. Eight cups of grapes ended up being a tad over two cups of juice. Still fun. That night I attended my first PTA meeting. It is comprised of a lot of different people; I’m excited to help the school and learn more about this community. I was able to talk to X-sander’s mom some more, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I rushed home to host book group which is always fun and interesting. So many fascinating people and ideas in the world!

Wednesday: Venice went eight hours between feedings! Whoa! Everyone slept in to fight off colds. We fought colds all week. Levi coughed but acted fine—so he went to school. Each day was something he just couldn’t miss. “I have to be there! We’re doing bus safety today!” It was chilly and overcast in the morning, but we met friends at the park anyway. Of course the boys found the little stream that is a blast in the summer—but cold in 50 degrees! I decided to be a cool mom and let them splash anyway. We warmed up at home with a bath. Keller loves a book called Smile Pout-Pout Fish! It has proved to be the turning point for him. He sits on the couch to read it. He sits on my lap. He brings other books and then stays to read them. YAY! That night I attended a Gifted and Talented meeting. I’m still torn about the whole thing (the name is so weird—who could ever say that any of God’s children is not “gifted” in some way!), but we’ve determined to apply for the program. You have to apply a year in advance, so Levi would start in first grade. After the application he will have to take a three hour test. We’ll see. We’re all churning and learning.

Thursday: Lincoln told me that he was going to eat all of our family. Quite vicious eating, actually. Then he would eat himself. Then he paused thoughtfully, “But how will I eat my face?” We wonder if we should worry about his desire to kill and destroy things, especially considering how compassionate and tender he is as well. Maybe we’ll send him to hunt with Uncle Jared.

Lincoln called out “BYU! BYU!” as we walked home from Levi’s school. Keller copied him exactly. Keller can also make all the sounds from Plants vs. Zombies. He makes an amazing Crazy Dave. Lincoln spells his name to the song “BINGO” then giggles wildly. Nissy smiled for the first time. At Lincoln. Almost all of her smiles have been for him. He talks, she listens and smiles. When we pick Levi up from school he points to all of the kids he knows to tell us their names and what they like. He feels it necessary to spread the word of TMNT. He’s intrigued with a girl’s hair: she wears it in two high ponytails that are braided—the braids reach her bum. The new boy is named Diesel. He ran and ran with Jason. I love this part of the day. He has earned 26 SOAR bucks.

Wes went on visits with the missionaries. Before he left we prayed that he’d be able to find those who were ready to return to church. He did! He met one family that was baptized a year ago. The mom and daughter had to work this week, but the son was able to come. Wonderful experience.

Friday: We’ve all been working on using our words. Times of conflict mean I need to stop, look, and listen. Times of conflict usually land during dinner prep. Dinner is not as important as working things out. We all have to learn how to work things out! Wes and I have taken the stop, look, and listen approach after one of our scripture study sessions. It has enabled us to see much better, to train, to practice what matters. It’s a relief to have the Spirit testify that you’re doing something right.

Saturday: Levi woke screaming because he couldn’t open his eyes. Don’t you love pink eye? They were bright red, sticky, and sunken. After an urgent care visit and a zillion-year pharmacy wait (I’m still repenting about my impatience and frustration and tone when I told them after an hour wait that we were not going to come back on Monday…then the pharmacist looked at Levi and said, “Oh! He really does need this!” I think I growled at him.) we got an uber-antibiotic eye drop that is supposed to clear you from being contagious after one drop. We don’t know if that’s actually possible, but we’re glad to have it. The doctor says we can use it even on Nissy if she gets it. I had an optometrist visit—my doctor turned out to be LDS with two kids on missions and now my backup glasses are ordered. Wes, though sick, mowed the lawn, played with boys, and led the family effort of picking and juicing grapes. I love working together as a family. We even slipped in haircuts before the day ended. Thank goodness for leftovers!

Today I walked with the kids to church while Wes went to pick someone up for church. Wes walked Levi back home, then came back because he’d given me the keys and they couldn’t get in the house! Wes needed to stay home, too, since he’s been fighting the crud all week. The three little ones did pretty well during sacrament meeting thanks to a sweet sister who gave them tiny flashlights to play with and let them examine the gargoyle tattoo on her calf. I prayed all night that we’d be well enough to go to nursery. I just needed to be there. Levi’s eyes are clearing and no one else has it (miraculous!). The kids mostly stayed in their chairs for our lesson. They loved playing “Find the Prophet” (hiding a picture then searching the room for it). I love testifying of living prophets. Heavenly Father continues to guide us! I have no doubt.