Happy Easter! We celebrated by singing Easter songs as a family. The boys loved it. Part of me really wishes that we could just go “caroling” to our neighbors: just imagine Wesley and the Off Tunes singing “That Easter Morn” in minor key a Capella to sweet people who just want to be left alone. Maybe next year? Probably not. Tomorrow we’re doing the social culture stuff the cheap way by going to HEB and buying Easter candy and eggs half off. We may go to a park and hide it, depending on how everyone feels. All week we’ve enjoyed a special spirit of the reality of Christ and His life and that He lives now. The boys have tons of questions. My favorite part of the week has been when they tell us the story of Christ’s resurrection. I walked in on the boys looking at pictures of Jesus and Levi explaining the tomb to Lincoln. In the midst of mortality, the craziness that it can be, the heartaches it often requires, what great peace comes: I know that my Redeemer lives! And that deserves the exclamation.

The last six months or so have been kind of crazy with my siblings and parents. I love Texas. I love our life. Yet I worry about my family and wish I could be there to share the joys and the sorrows, or at least take them meals and offer babysitting! One of my friends told me that when she can’t help her immediate family because they’re far away she tries to find people around her who need the same thing and serve for both people. I know that Heavenly Father sends us angels and teaches us to be angels. Being “anxiously engaged” does not mean that we need to be wracked with anxiety. Like my neighbor I’ve decided to “give it to the Lord,” and be His servant as best as I can while praying for them.

We’re all working on controlling our emotions and not screeching when unnecessary (so often our house sounds as if someone has a broken neck or is at least falling off a cliff. Usually the issue is something more like having the wrong fork…) Self-discipline and patience are virtues I need. I’m trying to appreciate gaining them.

We’ve had two amazing sleep nights in a row. Miracles! Wesley has a couple different sicknesses going on. Levi’s catching one of them. We’re doubly grateful for the sleep. Wesley and I have determined that—as lame as it sounds—exhaustion and sleep deprivation is a trial to strengthen us and we need to “submit cheerfully.” We’ve been studying Alma’s people and the enabling power of the atonement this week as we prepared for Easter. We have been strengthened; we are being strengthened. It’s an amazing process.  I pray to be a good student so I’ll stop whining so much.

On Monday Bo and Shu Zu came over for Family Home Evening. They are both from China, so we asked them to come and tell us about it. Bo’s family moved to Canada when he was 14ish, so he steps back from both cultures and comments in fascinating ways (Americans are too chaotically open in information, media, and opinions, Chinese could be a little more open, etc.). Shu loves his country and it’s quite inspiring to listen to his patriotism. The boys loved them. All week we’ve heard “Shu Zu is?” from Lincoln. Bo and Shu are both only children due to Chinese law (now they can have two kids); I think they were overwhelmed by the noise and general enthusiasm. Bo had a lot of questions about religion and a few about politics. Good conversation. Wesley ordered some Books of Mormon in the first languages of some of his friends/coworkers a few months ago, so he gave a Chinese one to Bo on Tuesday. Heavenly Father loves all His children. I love learning about them and feeling that same love for them. So cool.

 Wesley has a good friend named Robert Bush who is an artist. He’s in his eighties and has some major health issues. Robert’s wife joined the church while we were in Manor and Wesley home taught her which led to their special bond. A few months ago, Robert gave us three prints of his paintings. Gorgeous! We’ve been working toward having them matted and framed. Finally, we remembered our brains, invited Robert along and asked for his help. We ordered a frame for one and took notes on options for the others. Levi wanted to be involved in picking all of the colors. Lincoln wanted to run around—but was strapped in his seat. As a result, he pulled off his socks and shoes and cackled about it. “Get me out, Robert Bush! Get me out, Robert Bush!” he grinned. Our kids are so cute and goofy it can be hard to be firm.

Friday we had the missionaries over for our ham, potatoes, rolls, salads, etc. dinner (leftovers for today since I’ve stopped cooking much on Sundays). We love the missionaries. We hoped to have someone join us, but it didn’t happen. We should have pushed ourselves more. How can we have such feelings in our hearts yet momentarily forget them when talking with others? How can we forget to open our mouths when we covenant to “always remember Him”? We have work to do.

Yesterday we went to the temple. Wes stayed with the youth for baptisms and I drove the little boys home. They screamed all the way to help me stay awake. Count your many blessings! We’re all very much alive and well.

Aside from running, rolling, screaming, and dancing, the big event of the week was when we reconstructed the Cozy Coupe into a garbage truck. They wear gloves. Lincoln rides on the side as the “helper.” They moved the landfill of toys completely out of the toy room into the living room (and back with a lot of encouragement). “I will work with garbage all day because that is what garbage men do,” said Levi. They even packed a lunch (Gatorade and ramen noodles). They tried to add Keller to the landfill—he was very willing. Alas, the mother was not.

Lincoln has complete body control for the bathroom, but prefers the diaper. Ugh. “It’s stinky in here! Keller pooped!” Nope, it was Lincoln, buddy. Today he actually acknowledged his action (moving forward, eh?) “I’m stinky! I pooped!” I helped in nursery today as they’ve jumped from 10 kids to 19 in a couple of weeks. Lincoln played, came back to me with a cheesy grin, then played some more. I asked what happened in nursery today. “Mary so sad! Peter so sad! Jesus so happy! Played football! With Mom!” The kids loved when Keller joined us. Keller loved singing time.

Keller rolls and rolls and slobbers and sings. He tried his first rice cereal today and loved it. The others took a while before they were convinced. Not little Keller. He reached out for my roll yesterday. He’d probably try to down the ham if given the opportunity. He loves life. He gives us all perspective. 

I went to the restroom for three minutes: Lincoln climbed in the crib to cuddle Keller. Good grief! No one's safe. Or we all are extremely protected!

Wesley left for a tri-stake Aaronic Priesthood encampment Friday afternoon. They held sacrament meeting together this morning. He came back today at 3. They decided to do another long weekend to allow the young men to better worship and bear testimony together. He left tired and didn’t come back well rested (surprise!). It sounds as if the boys enjoyed it. They held sacrament meeting in an open field, 45 degrees and 25 mph winds: this meant passing the sacrament took longer than anticipated as they had to fill each cup individually. One leader pointed out how the pioneers held sacrament meeting. Definitely a memorable experience. I never worry when Wesley is gone with the young men because I think it allots us a few extra angels—which I always appreciate. The days seem to smooth together and remind me to follow the Spirit faster, the boys gain a greater love for their daddy, and begin to understand the importance of magnifying callings, particularly of loving Heavenly Father’s children.

Wesley and I have been reading The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Wes is compiling a reading list for his future students. This one makes the list! Let us know if you have recommendations. Wes wants to help his students become better people as well as better engineers. He’s the best.

Last night I slept for two hours in a row. That hasn’t happened in weeks and I feel like I could run marathons today. I’m so grateful for such a long stretch after nights of being up straight through or being up and down every 20 minutes. Amazingly, the  big boys did sleep through a hail storm that dented our car (not too bad). We felt the thunder in our chests, then watched with our faces close to the window. Really smart, I know—but it was super cool.

We’ve been sick. Levi went to the doctor for an ear infection on Tuesday, which ended up being not too bad. Our regular doctor was booked that day, but he stopped me in the hall to say, “I know sleep is an issue. I’m working on a game plan and will call you!” He did call yesterday evening, but I missed it. He left his cell phone number, but I just can’t bring myself to interrupt his weekend; I’ll call tomorrow. Levi improved significantly and now only has a runny nose and a lingering (though nasty) cough. Lincoln is full of gunk, coughs, and diarrhea. As a result, we’re taking a recess from potty training. The poor kid had a fever of almost 103. Of course it came down as soon as I called the doctor. I should do that as soon as they get sick, then they’ll never get high fevers! Faulty logic, I know. Keller’s feverish and coughing and so full of mucus he can’t breathe or eat very well. And he’s hoarse. I shouldn’t think it’s cute, but it is. Sickness makes the days long and eventful but not productive—at least not productive in a way you want to share with others! We’re on the upswing now, though. In the words of Lincoln, “Hallelujah!”

On Wednesday, Levi went to the dentist for the first time. We prepared by reading a lot of books. After the visit, which included a tour!, he set up a dental practice by putting his chair next to the couch. He directed me to lie down and open my mouth so he could prod my teeth with a spoon. He’s been vigilant about brushing and flossing.

We went to the park to find others there. Usually it’s empty. Levi said, “Now we can meet new friends!” Lincoln refused to get out of the stroller until they left. We went to a new park later in the week. It’s huge, with covered playgrounds, basically deserted during the day. The boys loved it. Despite his aversion to new friends, Lincoln is gaining an appreciation for girls. Last week he waved goodbye to Kyrah from nursery and wondered where she was all week long.

Keller can roll all around now! He rolls under the bed. He rolls in his crib. He rolls across the floor. All of this happens in concentrated flops, but he’s extremely happy about it. I sat him upright in the stroller instead of in his car seat attachment. He watched his brothers dash around the park. He kicked his legs and talked, hoarsely. Soon he’ll join them. I can just feel it.

The boys and I visited our neighbor, Verta, yesterday. She’s a hoot. She told me that she googled me. I guess this is a good practice about your neighbors! Ha! It seems that every conversation we have circles back to “Give it to the Lord, honey.” I’ve heard that from a lot of people, but here’s a woman who believes and lives it. So refreshing to be around. I need to improve on testifying of Christ in all that I do as well. We’ve been addressing the atonement and resurrection with the boys as we prepare for Easter. Here are some good questions from Levi and Lincoln: Why does Satan want to choose for me? Why doesn’t he love us? Why does Jesus want us to be clean? Why does He love us? How will we be perfect? Why do we need to die to be with Heavenly Father again? I’ve been studying to better answer them. Keller helps me. He has a lot to say about it all; I wish I understood his sounds! Families are such a lovely education.

Happy birthday to David tomorrow! Wow. 16! The boys’ favorite bedtime story is “David getting baptized.” So, multiple times a week we tell them about the pure blond boy who chose to go down the stairs into the font to be baptized by his big brother. In all the important ways, you are still pure with good desires and wise choices who follows our Savior and knows Him as an older Brother. We’re proud of you, David.

Here’s for Diana: I miss choir! We have sang in choir for 5 years before church. Our last leader was phenomenal, not only because he was musical. He chose pieces that resonated with the Spirit, that we could work and improve on together, and that unified us. He prayed for us. And he kept practice to the 25 minutes before sacrament meeting. People started coming to hear us practice before prelude. Singing brought the ward together in a special way. It really enhanced my personal worship. This ward has choir early evening for an hour and a half. It’s no longer feasible for me, but I’m glad people go. Hurrah for choirs! Hurrah for Diana!

Last week Levi came beaming out of Sunbeams. “I asked Hannah to marry me and she said yes. So we asked her parents. They said yes.” Hannah’s dad and Wes met at recruiting weekend to UT when they were considering grad school. We’re okay with the match, but we told Levi that he needs to work on going to the temple and serving a mission first. Levi’s keeps surprising us with words like “patiently” and “wicked.” Out of the blue, he asked Wesley today why we can’t remember life with Heavenly Father (Levi and I had this conversation sometime last week). He also started the lovely phrase, “I want to kill you, Mom” because he knows that “kill” is a mean word. I explained that then I would be dead. “I don’t want you to die. I just want to kill you.” Well. Good luck on that one, kiddo.  Despite his “mean guy” lapses, he’s a sweet boy. Our friend came over with her baby. Levi ran up the stairs, changed into missionary clothes, and dashed down proudly holding his Book of Mormon and Peter. He stood in front of us to give a talk, thumbed through the pages, then realized that he can’t read much more than “and,” “now,” and a few other words. He tucked his head, saying, “I forgot my verse!” and hid in the couch embarrassed. He rallied.

We’re potty training. Since Wednesday, Lincoln has been completely dry except with poop. “Lincoln do you need to poop?” He smiles, toots, and responds, “No. Daddy needs poop!” or “No. Keller tooted!” or “No. Levi needs a diaper!” He loves underpants, but he loves diapers (not being wiped, though). He doesn’t like having wet shorts with an accident. Accidents tend to happen right after Keller explodes. Of course. I’m spraying everything down and suddenly—silence—then, “Mommy. Wear shorts! Wear them!” The boy will wear nothing else. He successfully used the potty at the library, at Hobby Lobby, and at church. We still have a long way to go since I’m the primary initiator. He has complete control; I wish he cared. In the meantime, we play football, tools, and sing songs. He can sing most of “Choose the Right” on his own, along with other songs. He prefers playing football with a pretend ball. He likes me to be the audience who remains “very quiet” as he runs on the “field” (rug). His preference for things in a specific way increases: I must stand in a certain spot at a certain angle and say the right words (as provided) when I watch, I must help with his shorts but only so much, I must…the list goes on. So I laugh. Eventually he’ll grasp that he must stop screaming. We’re trying to distract him into singing instead. Usually it works. Sometimes he scream-sings and Levi starts screaming, “He’s hurting my ears!” Amazingly enough, this doesn’t help the situation. Especially since Lincoln enjoys it.

For two Sundays in a row Keller has happily squealed through Sunday school and then exploded. Today it was up to his neck in front and back. I’m not sure how he did it. I’m not sure how I wasn’t covered; tender mercy. Thankfully this week I remembered to put another extra outfit in the church bag. This was definitely a prompting and I am grateful for it (especially since his blanket, burp rag, and changing pad were covered, too!). He continued to serenade the congregation. He sings. He laughs. He wiggles, often turning a circle when he’s on the ground. People always comment on how happy he is—and it’s true! Even without sleep! He doesn’t really nap on Sundays. This week he skipped a few days of naps. And he’s still pleasant! Uncomfortable, but pleasant! Don’t be fooled, though. This boy is rock hard stubborn. As soon as we began the sleep-through-the-night process in earnest, he refused a binky. We’ve tried 7 kinds (yeah…add that up in dollars, yuck) and he just looks at us like, “I know what you’re trying to do and I don’t agree.” He sucks on everything else, including my chin, when he’s calm. Good grief. He gurgles away and enchants us all. Levi and Lincoln pretend they’re tigers who eat Keller. This is one of the favorite games of the week for all three of them. Keller reaches his arms out wide like, “GET ME!” so they do. Ah, brothers. I feel bad that my brother only had sisters.

Book group and Wesley doing missionary stuff Tuesday, mutual Wednesday, projects Saturday. Wes attended a conference (at UT) and met a woman who is doing very similar work to him. At first this was discouraging, but as he looked into it, he found ways to make his model better. They had a nice chat. I finished To Kill a Mockingbird again. Such a gorgeous piece of work! I have no editorial comments. So life goes on. With all that stuff in between like dinner, dishes, life changing conversations. All that.

 Wesley's birthday cheesecake

 Wes (and Levi) explaining electric cars with a toy model at Explore UT

 Ice Cream!

My dad returned home on Wednesday with strict instructions to do nothing but rest for two weeks. After that he can go to work for a few hours a day. Since he saves his sick days and vacation days for normal stuff, he has time. Additionally, I think all of Utah and Idaho court systems have told him not to think about work for a while. People understand a heart attack. That’s a blessing of this situation: my parents have a lot less to attempt to explain about my dad’s health. I’ve been in semi shock and denial all week. The whole thing has been hard for me to believe since we’re far away. I almost didn’t have him on earth. I waver somewhere between shock and denial and awe, grateful and a little overwhelmed that we have more time, amazed by the plan that is truly full of happiness.

We attended the funeral of my visiting teaching friend on Wednesday. She and her husband are opera people. A colleague of her husband’s sang “I Know that My Redeemer Liveth” from The Messiah. Gorgeous. The boys sat almost completely still; the funeral was over two hours. There were only 5 kids there total. Bless them. We did have an issue when Levi pushed Lincoln off of the pew while I was out feeding Keller…bless Wesley. Levi has been running and biking with added devotion. “I exercise so my heart won’t break!” He’s been quite concerned about Pop Corrie and heart issues in general. With good reason.

It’s our celebration week. We tried to make a bang out of Tuesday with cheesecake and lots of song. The boys treated us by sleeping in until 6:30! I gave Wes a silly joke book which—much to my surprise—he enjoys. They seem to be on par with the elephant jokes. I’m so glad he married me. One of the benefits of waking up during the night is that I get to see him more, listen to his cute grunts, and see the way he shifts (he sleeps with his arms behind his head when he’s totally out of it. Way cute.). So even when I can’t sleep, I can pray about how grateful I am to have him. Each day increases my thankfulness. He is clear-headed, intelligent, generous, tender, soft-spoken, kind, goofy, willing to listen and talk. He loves the Lord and our family. How can anyone really articulate the specific love we can have? I look at him and feel a little weak-kneed and strong all at once.

For my birthday, Wesley and the boys took me to various stores to look at plants. After much back-and-forth, I settled on a bundle of hyacinths. Love them. The boys love them. Since I counted the cheesecake as my own, Wes surprised me with a tub of Blue Bell Rocky Mountain Road ice cream. Oh man. He must really love me. He put the candles in the tub and we made a lot of joyful noise. The boys picked up the toy room and tried not to scream so much.  Last night I gave myself the gift of sitting on the couch to read, not multitasking, just reading. I meant to go for 15 minutes but when I looked up at the clock it had been an hour. I love words.

Yesterday morning we attended part of Explore UT—which is basically a campus open house. Wes volunteered to show energy toys. The boys loved it, but tuckered out quickly. Next year, we hope to make it to liberal arts side of the world.

Last night Wesley refilled the sugar canister. He went to refill the flour, but he put it on top of the sugar. He made super sweet biscuits from the borderline stuff. Haha! Poor guy hasn’t caught up on sleep since…we were married probably. Keller has improved significantly. He wakes up and wails once or twice a night, but usually he goes to sleep soon afterward. We are making progress! He went without eating for 11 hours one night. Whoa! The unfortunate part of this is that he refuses a binky now and refuses naps. He is happy when directly spoken to (he giggled all through church today, especially in Relief Society), but hates being put down. We’ll figure it out.

We’ve had some funny language moments this week. I held Lincoln on my lap to swing, saying, “Ohh! I have butterflies in my tummy!” He got off my lap, lifted up my jacket, and said, “See butterflies, Mommy! See them! Butterflies are?” Perhaps he wanted to know because he’s laying claim on everything. Lincoln’s house, Lincoln’s van, Lincoln’s library, Lincoln’s Amy (one of my friends). Additionally, Lincoln acquired two new phrases: “Uuuumm. YEAH!” and “WhY, Mommy?” to echo his big brother. I need to study some more, I can’t answer all of their questions. When we finally reach the inevitable, “I don’t know!” both sound the chorus, “Why, Mommy?” I asked Levi to “put himself together” after using the potty—meaning, finish up and pull up your pants. He looked at me, chuckled, responding, “Silly Mom! Heavenly Father and Jesus put me together already!”

I came down the stairs yesterday to find Levi kneeling, his little hands clasped fervently in front of him. I asked what he was doing. “I’m praying because I can’t find Lincoln’s fireman hat!” He had obviously tried searching for it as manifested by the upturned room. He finished praying and found it. There’s faith for you.

In between that, we’ve had a lot of screaming (primarily led by Lincoln), a lot of football (as dictated by Levi) and a new line of uniforms (the construction man, including the long-forgotten jeans!).

Wesley’s work continues to progress. Almost every day he comes home with how things came together in collaboration, how Dr. Edgar asked him to come to a meeting where things clicked or that enable him to go to another conference, or potential future opportunities. He’s often blessed to help others in their research. He’s been a little stuck on a problem for a while, but he’s learning. It’s cool to watch. The Young Men of the ward have accepted him easily; it just feels right for him to be there. We are blessed, blessed people.