Pictures of the blessing gown before she grows out of it!

 Underpants!

 Brothers walking to the park

We planned on blessing Nissy today, but changed our minds. My parents have been trying to come down for it, but due to heart complications travelling is not a good idea. Since it has been this long, we may just wait and bless her during Christmas break up there. Wes would like to do it in our ward to show we’re invested, yet we also want the people who care and would like to be involved to be able to come. We’re grateful to be loved!

Yesterday Levi took the CogAt test. It is required for GT placement; all 2^nd graders in the district do it during school—but if you think your child is “gifted” or could use extra guidance on teaching them, they recommend this test. Technically the test is 2.5 hours, but it is a bubble sheet assessment and if anyone needs to stop (potty, etc.) everyone stops. It ended up being about 3.5 hours in a middle school we’ve never seen with a bunch of unfamiliar people. We prepped him with the reasons we were doing it, gave him some of the practice tests (which he whipped through and then asked for more), but we didn’t really think about the physical circumstances that could raise anxiety levels—aside from the fact that they gave them fat booklets in labeled white envelopes to go with their red bubble answer sheet! He was fine once they went into classroom mode, but while I could be with him he fought (understandable) panic. From his report, it sounds as if he enjoyed the process. Results will be mailed to us in January. Thank you for your prayers!

In other Levi news: his sweet friend Xander missed school one day. Levi decided he wanted to see what it was like to not follow the rules. He only came home with one SOAR buck instead of his usual twelve or so this week. He lost some play time. He’s still processing over the experience. His teacher was extremely surprised. Poor Mrs. Games! I went to our first parent-teacher conference and was glad to hear an overall positive report, including, “You realize this is way beyond kindergarten, right?” He’s sounding out words, reading well, and his ability to conceptualize numbers is way out there. She thinks if anyone needs full day kindergarten it is him because he’s so invested and focused. For the last few days—even with his test!—he spent hours at a time churning through his workbooks. We’ve had to stop him and take the book so he’ll do other things! We’re impressed.

Lincoln is my official kitchen helper. He chopped a ton of carrots for dinner one day (under close supervision). He loves to help and he loves knives. Yesterday while Wes mowed the lawn, Lincoln used the toy mower and worked diligently.  He recognizes letters on signs and in books. He counted to 65 while we were driving. At the park he swings by himself. He climbs everything—rocks, poles, fences, bleachers. But he doesn’t want to talk to people. We went to our friends’ home and he explored everything. When he realized that the little boy felt nervous about our intrusion, Lincoln tried to include him and help him feel happy. Go Lincoln! I still have no idea how to help him in nursery during the lesson. He gets this endearing twinkle in his eye and I know it is all over. From throwing pictures to hitting objects in the lesson to just running and climbing and leading the troupe of eight boys. I’m going to do Montessori pre-school stuff at home and we’re looking for other kid/adult outlets for Lincoln to learn in.

The plan is to start potty training Keller starting tomorrow. We’ve been doing a practice run this week. Some days are better than others; he’s not sure if he really wants to commit (perhaps because I’m not sure if I want to, either!) He’s super excited about his TMNT underpants, so we’ll see what happens. He loves Venice; part of him wants to know why he’s not the baby, though. He wants the “baby wrap” (swaddle). He rolled out of his swaddle during the night and cried and cried and cried. He’s up most nights two or three times. Maybe he and Levi can keep each other company soon! Keller’s language continues to grow—even with his impatience. He wants us to understand and respond without the bother of words sometimes. If we don’t, man! This boy can throw a tantrum: in the middle of the road, head banging, shrieking, etc. It’s actually quite impressive. He’s a tease and full of energy. I’m glad that he and Lincoln can wrestle out their aggression with giggles. He also surprised me by counting to ten with me. And climbing ladders. Whoa! The boy is almost two going on seven.

Venice is our respite for sleep. We’ve been sick, but we still can’t figure out why we haven’t bounced back fully since she sleeps so well at night! And she’s so cute. She blows bubbles to the boys’ delight. And super sensitive. (A fourth one! Poor Wes!) She can scream when upset or just when her feelings are hurt—thankfully, she tends to be pretty tolerant of loving brothers with all their exuberant awkwardness. We all hold on to her little smiles. Today she wore a darling red floofy outfit, complete with ruffled bloomers. Both of us really appreciated the ensemble. She’s totally into tights. Thank goodness! The cold is coming any day!

For FHE we met Wes at a park to eat dinner. We finished birthday shopping for Keller then went to Coldstone. Each boy chose their own kind of ice cream and one mix-in then ordered it with pride. One of our revelations from Conference is the need to use our family history as family scripture—so our family spotlight is significantly more deliberate now. We’re trying to help our boys see their heritage of faith and choosing the right. We also spent a few evenings watching the “Lego Movie.” We’re all singing “Everything Is Awesome!” What a funny hodgepodge; I believe that’s termed “modernist.”

I had the opportunity to visit with some of my friends that I really admire as mothers, teachers, and just good people this week. They’re creative and inspiring. Watching their patience and kindness and open minds/hearts helped me see that I have a lot of needed improvement. Then I listened to Uchtdorf’s talk, “Lord, Is It I?” I have been so critical and rude. Time to grow up! Time to change! I’m so grateful for the many examples that surround me. Learn to chill out, girl!

Wesley worked on some new projects this week. He continues to love work. Unfortunately he caught his fourth round of sickness. We’re glad that none of them have been too bad, but he hasn’t been 100% for over a month. He went to the temple yesterday morning then came home to watch Keller and Lincoln while I was with Levi and baby Nissy at the test. Bless this good, good man!