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.

 cute cloth diaper

 Levi likes pancakes for this reason.

This is a weed eater made out of Legos...much loved

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

I love Sundays. The boys usually wake up earlier than normal (who knows why?) and we tromp down to the couch. They cuddle up on each side of me and we have a mini “Behold Your Little Ones” lessons. What an amazing manual. Today we talked about Jesus’ miracles, like multiplying the loaves. Lincoln pointed at the bread during sacrament and asked, “Did Jesus make this?” The answer, in so many ways, is yes.

For the record, we finally caught the lizard that moved into the toy room a month ago. He’d grown, so maybe we should have let him stay…I think he’ll be happier outside; plus he had climbed into our big farming tractor. Keller would have eaten him eventually.

Keller nurses only twice a day. I plan to finish weaning by his birthday, hopefully sooner. He’ll drink about an ounce of formula, or eat a ton of it with cereal and food. Since we began a couple of weeks ago he has gained solidity. The kid can eat! He needs to since he only stops moving in his sleep. He really loves dancing, in my arms or on his own. “Head, Shoulders, Knees, & Toes” really inspires him to wiggle-boogie. He’s also discovered the joy of cars, trucks, and motors in general. During family prayer, he found a fire truck and pushed it all over growling his truck noises. And! Magnets! We have dinosaur magnets on the fridge that occupy him for minutes and minutes. He concentrates so hard trying to figure out how to get them back on, gives up, throws them across the room, gets them, starts over…then finds the stairs. Keller climbed seven steps on Tuesday. He climbed all the steps on Thursday. And for the rest of our lives we’ll all be dashing to the stairs since gates only fit partially. Thankfully, the big brothers take seriously their charge to teach him to safely go down the stairs. Currently, he dashes for them face first as soon as he’s on the ground. We had a few too-close calls, but we’re still safe! We keep our angels very busy. (I told Levi this morning that angels surround us and care for us. He responded, “I know.” Of course he does.)

Lincoln tells us of his needs. “I need cookies! I need cake! I need doughnuts!” Most of all, “I need Nike shoes!” Good grief! For FHE we reviewed our emergency plans: where to go if there’s a fire or tornado, who to talk to if lost, phone number, etc. Tuesday, Lincoln tested that out by running away in the library. Levi ran to save him. I untangled from 40 books and pushed our huge stroller around. Thankfully! Our boys are not quiet. I followed the sound to Levi wrestling Lincoln into submission and calmly telling a library worker (not a mother with children), “It’s okay. We’re waiting for my mom. She will find us if we wait.” Lincoln: “I am—” straining against Levi’s arms, “going to RUN!” I know this is funny. He still spent a lot of time strapped into the stroller for the rest of our week outings. On Friday, when we were all over-stimulated and twitchy, Lincoln saved us all with his sweet serviceable spirit. “I will get that for you! I will hold your hand Levi! Keller can use my blanket! I will feed Keller! I can untie your shoes, Dad!” It’s been fun to have more one-on-one time with him when Levi goes to preschool and Keller naps. He’s not sure what to do with it, but we party.

Levi started PALS (Preschool/Preschoolers Acquiring Language Skills). We all tromped up to the classroom. Did he even turn back to wave before running to his classmates? Not a chance. Miss Valerie reports that he’s “very chatty” (surprise, surprise!). He loves, loves, loves it. They sent home packets of things to work on. He’s so excited about homework, he carries it around with him all day. Our school time has been significantly more directed and useful after a couple weeks of seeing preschool-models. The only slight drawback about preschool is that it is during our outside time in the morning (before it hits 98); we just try to start a little sooner. I heard this conversation while making dinner one night:

Levi, with numbered blocks carefully arranged. Quizzing Lincoln: “What number will you be after 3 ½?”

Pause.

Levi: “I know you know it!”

Pause.

Levi: “Come on, Lincoln. You know this! What number will you be after 3 ½?”

Lincoln, laughing (because he did know): “But I am 2 ½!”

Levi is a determined, diligent teacher and student. His favorite part of the mother’s preschool on Thursday was “picking Hannah up then riding home with her in her van.” He likes that I’m weaning Keller because I wear more dresses. “I like your dresses and soft clothes, Mom. It makes me want to snuggle you.” Oh, man.

I was a grouch yesterday. Just one of those days when I start looking on Craigslist for punching bags; I should probably work out twice a day or something. Finally I regained some control, apologized to the boys, and asked forgiveness. They didn’t even hesitate. It was already granted before I pulled myself together and requested it. “We love you, Mom. It’s okay,” said Levi.  “Let’s not be grouchy! Let’s run!” exclaimed Lincoln. There is nothing better than feeling the Spirit with your family in seemingly small matters.

Wes worked most of Labor Day and most of yesterday. September will train us for the future academic life. In a few more weeks more schools will announce openings. Until then, he’s finished a paper, revised a few others with collaborators, started a NREL fellowship proposal, and taught two lectures. He dresses up on class days (Tuesday/Thursday); he is one handsome dude. I’m swoony even on T-shirt days. He loves teaching. He enjoys putting together his lectures—which is good, because this initial experience requires a lot of time and effort in creation. He notes possible homework questions wherever we go. It’s so fun to watch him work and feel his enthusiasm. Energy rocks.

We love you!

WCJLC

P.S. Book group Thursday. We discussed Cormac McCarthy’s The Road. So awesome. Discussion is necessary, though. Someone asked me if I thought it deserved a Pulitzer. YES! It brings up important questions and considerations. I realized in this reading (fourth time) that accuracy in perspective may not be the point. When do we ever perceive accurately in mortality? We balanced the book with a light strawberry-cheesecake invention. Good times. Quality questions raise my adrenaline. Love them.

Strawberry Yum-Yum (adapted from Blueberry Yum-Yum)

Graham cracker crust (about 2 packages crushed and ½ c. margarine) or crushed sugar cookies,     divided

8 oz. cream cheese, softened

About ¾ c. whipped cream with a touch of vanilla

1-2 lbs. sliced strawberries

Strawberry jam

Layer ½ of the cookie crust on the bottom of a 9x13. Whip cream cheese and cream together, spread ½ over cookies. Mix the jam and strawberries together (kind of like a pie filling—any fruit filling works) Spread rest of the cream. Top with cookies. Enjoy!

It didn’t last long.

Happy September! Happy birthday Chad! As Wesley has been working on his application package, we have talked a lot about our fathers and their work ethic. We appreciate your humility, intellectual capacities, and willingness to always serve others. You are one of the reasons that we know our blessings come from the righteousness of our fathers. We’re not supposed to just bask in them; you’ve taught us to use them to help others. Thank you for this consistent example of Christlike perspective.

We celebrated six years of marital joy last Thursday. We’re still such newlyweds trying to figure out each other and this parenting thing—and it’s so fun! Marriage is a commitment to continue choosing someone even as you both change. We have grown together, enhanced each other, challenged each other. The life we have now was incomprehensible to me six years ago, a year ago! When I wake up in the night and see Wesley I overflow with gratitude that the Lord let me have him and that Wesley chose me, too. Working together on his application has been so rewarding because it helps us trace our development, personally and professionally. (Wesley’s writing has improved significantly as well!) I have full confidence that we can face anything if we’re together. Thankfully, we’re sealed eternally—so we will be.  

Last week we finally went to the Congress Avenue Bridge (also known as Bat Bridge) for FHE. It houses one of the largest urban bat populations (over one million bats). People gather at a little park at the base, on the sidewalk by the road, on the river in kayaks and ferries. The Austin Chronicle opens up its parking lot to the public for free after 6 p.m. You can see right into the city center. As dusk settles in, we heard little squeaking—it sounded more like child conversation than mice. Then whoosh! A stream of bats swooped under the length of the bridge and down the river. They all followed the same path. I expected them to be bigger, but they were the size of swallows or smaller with delicate appearance, almost like butterflies. People say that sometimes the sky turns black with them. We didn’t see that. What amazed me was the constant motion. We were there for over an hour while they flew out nonstop. Thousands and thousands of fragile, bug-eating bats. We loved it.

We went to the Children’s Museum for the last time before they closed for three months to relocate. The boys loved the room filled with colored golf balls and mazes. Lincoln tried to gather and carry all of the yellow ones.

Last Sunday some friends came over for dinner (hence, no time for a letter). They have a 14-month old son. The boys took him under their protection, trying to teach him the proper way to leap from a couch…

In the sports arena, Wesley ordered a ton of flag football flags (so he can continue inviting people to play with him every other Saturday now that school is back on). The boys have carried them, worn them, and talked about them nonstop. We went bowling with Wesley’s IGERT colleagues (an interdisciplinary energy group). Levi and Lincoln loved choosing their big, heavy balls. Wesley patiently helped them roll it down the lane: Lincoln eventually just kicked his. They have been concentrating on hitting tennis balls—much to the entertainment of our neighbors. Levi hit six in a row. I’m impressed.

I’m getting excited for the heat to dip since bugs continue to invade our lives. I composted 25 pounds of flour full of weevils (they’re nasty when they get bigger!). I opened my bag of new, beautiful red potatoes, and a cockroach had moved in, eaten them all, and grown immensely as a result. One night (2 a.m.ish) I saw another huge cockroach on the ceiling. I couldn’t get him without waking everyone. I waited. When went out again, he was on the floor. Wes heard me giving myself a pep-talk, so he got up to kill the critter. Of course, we missed him as he ran into the boys’ room! We moved beds, went through the closet and dresser—no luck! Lincoln slept through it all; Levi was already awake. Levi found the starved bug dead in his closet five days later. If I was a better person, I might have some pity on the filthy thing. Ugh. Cockroaches must be a creation of the same kind of boys who made Killer Bunnies. Bugs make me willing to go to the Arctic. We’ll probably move deeper into the south so I can learn to have a softened heart!

Yesterday our ward shared a temple day. We reserved the church building down the street from the temple. The primary set up stations and activities and guardians for the kids. The youth did baptisms and adults split as desired. We went early so I could do initiatory then help with the nursery. Levi wore “all white” (white shirt and tie with khakis) so he could go in the waiting room and see the temple workers. He’s been asking for a month, so we slipped in and his face lit up. He beamed for the rest of the day. Lincoln took special care of Keller in nursery, sharing toys, ensuring nothing went in his mouth, singing songs, while I had to help other kids. I taught a spur of the moment lesson on the temple and what their parents were doing. Such sweet, tender spirits. One boy requested “I Am a Child of God” and he, another boy, and Lincoln all sang loudly and fervently. They understand their identity so well. How do we ever forget? Wesley confirmed proxies for about 150 people—he was hoarse when he finished. There must have been a lot of rejoicing in that room. What powerful words: “Receive the Holy Ghost.”

The boys conspire and play and adventure. They dressed in uniform to be pilots. They pretend to ride motorcycles. They stop at hotels and check in, find their room, unload. They follow “maps” to fight fires. Keller has fully joined the crew. He climbs into the Cozy Coupe, honks the horn, ready to go. He tries to walk by pushing it. They tip it on its side and he slides right in, head first. They’re all bruised and happy.

We’ve started the weaning process which is better than anticipated but increases the noise level in our house. Keller usually won’t suck on anything but me, so we’ve had to spoon the formula into him with baby cereal. The sippy cup slowly gains status as a tool as well as a toy. Yesterday was particularly hot—he discovered its true purpose! Although he sits on his knees, boogies, and stands a ton, he still prefers to slither all over. Rashes cover his arms (he doesn’t seem to mind as long as he can go fast). He loves water. I can’t keep his face out of it. He dunks himself in the bathtub. Swimming lessons for everyone (are needed)! He loves the piano. He clamors up to it, plunking the keys until he loses balance. Banged up, scratched up, speedy little boy.

We read the Caldecott winner, So You Want to Be President? Lincoln caught the connection to himself this time (we’ve read a lot of Lincoln books): “I am Lincoln like Abraham Lincoln! President Lincoln!” I’m waiting for him to try to build a log cabin. Our landlord came over to see the fence falling over. She came back in, the boys asked her about the fence, and Lincoln lifted his hammer to announce, “I can fix it!” He’s phasing out of naps with his usual boisterousness. One day he called from his locked room for 20 minutes, “I’m coming down! I’m coming down!” Whenever I open his door he has changed his clothes. He switches shorts about six times a day. He claimed Wesley’s huge new football. His attempts to carry it didn’t work, so he loaded it in his backpack and hauls it that way. His newest love is the skate boarders and skate parks. He actually stands still to watch them! And after Levi “filled the font” for Peter’s baptism, Lincoln said he could perform the ordinance. Levi proudly looked on. Poor Peter will never dry off.  During dinner last night Lincoln stood on his booster seat, turned around and pointed to our picture of Christ washing the apostles’ feet. “Where are Peter’s shoes? Why are his feet dirty? Why is Jesus wearing red and white?” He asked a trillion detailed questions, then splayed his hands out wide, “Where are Jesus’ holes?” I bore my testimony of Christ’s love for us and our need to be cleansed with the chronology of His life. We are the holes in His hands; He lifts us up.

Levi’s patience and hardiness astound me. We’ve had some rough nights over the last two weeks; he has been awake, quietly waiting in his room for three or four hours a night. Once after waiting for most of the night, he cracked and woke Lincoln up (which takes effort). They bounded into our room. We asked them to go back to bed, he put his hands over his face exasperated and said, “But the night is so long!” Yet, he went back to his dark room to wait, even after the melatonin, after the potty break, after waiting and waiting. Talk about long-suffering! Suffering long! His excitement over school might rival mine. After buying a few school supplies, he spent all day organizing and reorganizing them. After his first day of our mother’s preschool he reported that he loved it, didn’t use all of his supplies, and “didn’t learn anything.” He went to Hannah’s house this week; we answered a lot of questions about his future life with “my wife.” After one of these extended conversations he turned to me, grinning:  “You love Dad so much you want to eat him up, huh?” pause. “I love Dad so much I want to eat you, and Lincoln and Keller up. Then it will just be me and Dad!” Smart kiddo!

Levi and Lincoln received blessings for the beginning of school. Both were very excited. We brought a cake to Wesley’s group for the first day of school. I love the first day of school. There’s a buzz in the air as people try to figure out where their classes are and how to begin anew. Thinking about it makes me excited—and I don’t even go to class! Everyone looks hyped on adrenaline of a new transition, some polished in new school clothes, others rumpled and right out of bed. The professors bustle around with stacks of paper. Most of the grad students and professors have been there all summer long, researching away, but the fresh start remains. I want to sharpen number 2 pencils and check the blue ink—but now people are making sure their tablets are loaded and they have wifi access. Whatever. Learning rocks. We love campuses and universities.

Wesley has been working away, refining papers, writing and rewriting research statements, planning lectures (he started talking about his Energy, Technology, and Policy class one night and dreamed of it; he’s that excited), memorizing student names and faces, and planning the next month. September will teach us what our future life could be like. He has applications due (for academic positions), conference papers due, fellowship applications due (for post-docs), two conferences, class, normal research, etc. etc. etc. It’ll be an exciting adventure. I love watching his capacities expand. We’ve heard about some more academic openings this week. Not knowing means that we could go anywhere. Oh the possibilities, the places we’ll go, the people we’ll become.

Bats!

 First day of preschool