Lincoln will only use the computer if placed at the table.

 So many reasons to be happy!

Crazy week. We just used up the last drop of our adrenaline. So I’ll just blurt it out from the beginning.

On Monday, Wes rode his new bike to work for the first time. After he left, Lincoln leapt off the bed into the desk (thankfully, the air mattress is really close to the ground). He bawled; this is unusual for him. Within a few minutes a huge, black goose egg grew out of his forehead. During the week we’ve watched it shade into purple and yellow and now it’s still a prominent bump and black. While we recovered from that adventure, Wes called because he ran over a screw that totally punctured his tire. We continued the healing process with Lincoln until we heard sirens in the hall. I opened the door to see smoke sifting all over and flashing lights. Levi threw on his shoes (and grabbed his socks for later), Lincoln held me tighter, we rushed down three flights of stairs with our scared neighbors and their pets. The fire truck zoomed up. The boys quivering dampened the excitement a bit, but the firemen waved and smiled. Turns out that we have new maintenance guys; something happened with the painting job…who knows? The firemen left within minutes. Potential fires really are a great way to meet your neighbors. I guess this isn’t the first time. Last time, the elevator almost exploded. Due to paint and smoke fumes, the boys and I adventured out to run errands—returning home with a memory foam, which has significantly improved our sleeping arrangement. Hurrah! Even Levi crashed in the afternoon.

That night we went to a specialty bike store because they’re the only ones who carried the tire for Wesley’s bike. We really got a deal on his bike. The tire cost half as much as we paid for the bike! Then we walked around the temple for FHE. Lincoln now says a semblance of “Moroni.”

We also learned on Monday that our close family friend has lymphoma. As always, I’m inspired by their courage and faith and ability to just keep plugging along with life even as they face decisions about chemo and radiation. I’ve spent a lot of time on my knees; I don’t know why I thought this friend was invincible—probably because their family has seemed that way when my family needed help—and thinking about them has made me more grateful for the Plan of Salvation and our ability to endure and grow together (especially in the horrific unknown). I’ve also been thinking about the many, many people who bless our lives and what a gift they are. There have been multiple times in my life when I’ve concluded that friends and making them are just not my strong point, yet people keep squeezing into my heart anyway. I’m so glad that they persevere through my hard heart.

Around midnight on Wednesday, Wes woke me up by saying, “Don’t you hear the sirens?” (No—that’s part of normal night life noise. Now if it had been Levi or Lincoln crying, sleep wouldn’t have been an option). Once I shook myself, I really can’t believe the wailing through the city didn’t rouse the boys and me. We had had thunderstorms that evening which kept Wes up. He looked up the reason for the sirens: tornado warning. Yes! In the mountains. According to the map, it appeared that the funnel cloud aimed right for our segment of town. So, we grabbed the little sleepers and headed into the hall. (My stupidity: “Do we stand in a doorway or something?” Wes: “No. That’s an earthquake.”) In a tornado, you seek interior, close to the ground, windowless, space. We’re on the fourth floor, surrounded by windows. The best we could do was one of the stair hallways. Lincoln awoke blissfully to see “Dad-DY!” and Levi excitedly narrated our “walk in pa-jams! At night! Dark outside! Noisy!” We sang songs and waited for the warnings to pass. Eventually, we returned to bed. Miraculously, the Levi and Lincoln slept. Joule had a lot to say and do. The next morning, we learned that the funnel never touched ground and that it never reached our county. What a blessing. We’re grateful for our safety; we grateful that we didn’t struggle grabbing what matters most.

Yesterday we went to the temple. It’s so close! Wow! We love it there. Then we test-drove a van. Long story abridged: we contacted people weeks ago when they were pre-selling their elderly mother’s 2004 Grand Caravan. She bought it brand new; its title was switched with an identical van on the lot. It has 37K miles, runs smoothly, and the only issue with it is a few dings in the bumper. When we prayed about vans, we expressed that we’d like one but that we felt we needed to invest our time in other things—but if it was right to guide us. This van fell into our laps. We have a written agreement to buy it, pending the arrival of the title. So—perhaps we’ll be proud owners soon! The boys adored the whole experience. As an interesting side note, the man also works at NREL. He and Wes started talking, glowing, and exchanging information. Wes will be paying an office visit to him in the future.  

In the midst of all of this, we prepared our talks for today. We prayed all week that we’d be able to communicate with the Spirit and feel charity for our ward members and prepare what they needed. I spoke on Mosiah 2:6 and “that thereby they might remain in their tents” wouldn’t leave me. So I did my best. Hopefully someone got something out of it. Wesley doesn’t write his talks out. He has about an index card amount of notes and goes from there remembering all he’s prepared and adjusting as needed. His topic was Mosiah 2:41. He spoke about keeping the commandments and how God prepares a way for us to fulfill all He commands (see 1 Nephi 3:7), primarily through Christ who is the Way. He speaks slowly, articulately, and with the Spirit. He impresses me because he does things as they should be done without hoopla.

This summer I devote my evenings and early mornings to rewriting my class. I’m under contract to do it—plus, if these lessons aren’t complete by October, I know they won’t happen. Poor Wes with his distracted wife blabbing off about writing prompts when we really do have other things on our minds! The balm of this has been editing Grandma Wright’s journal. Her sensitivity to others, on both sides of the Veil, her generosity, her broadmindedness inspire and strengthen us. And we’re not even that far into her 1978 journal!

Wesley loves NREL. Currently, he’s developing software that integrates optimization algorithms into energy simulation software for buildings. He knows already that he doesn’t want to spend his life developing software, but he’s learning cool stuff and will potentially take it to a level that is more interesting to him personally. He found out that they have an NREL Frisbee group that meets three times a week during lunch. Add in his feeling every morning, “Ah, those birds make me feel like I’m in the mountains—wait! I am in the mountains!” and he’s a very happy man.

 The stake put on a fiesta last night, complete with professional traditional Mexican dancers. Can you say “entranced”? Perhaps our boys have found their new professions.

While eating lunch after church, Levi paused dramatically and said, “I want a kick in the pants!” Well happy birthday tomorrow—maybe he’ll get his desires. Silly boy. He’s been learning to count down to his birthday. “I be three in three months! No days! Three days!” And now it’s tomorrow. I showed him his newborn pictures and Lincoln’s and a few pregnant pictures. He responded. “Baby Joule come out soon. In Tex.” Tuesday, Levi blessed us by saying his very own evening prayer. He’s grateful for Nina, Peter, and his “hap birthday.” I think we’ll end up with a fire truck cake, but he’s not sure because the dump truck and garbage truck options tempt also.

For some reason, Levi stresses about staying very close together when outside of the house. He screams. He squeals. “No! Wait! Come on, Linc! Come on, Linc! Stay back, Linc! No touch! No touch! Wait for Mom!” We all try to ease anxiety. Except Lincoln, who turns back and giggles then dashes faster. It’s hilarious: the problem is Lincoln knows that! Lincoln saw a small-ish jungle gym at the park, then ran to it shouting, “WHOA! WHOA!” At the park, he climbs to the highest slides and just goes for it; Levi climbs up, then climbs down—except when Lincoln will sit on his lap. After bath time, we diaper Lincoln as fast as possible. He came wandering back into the bathroom, pulling his diaper down, saying, “Poop! Poop! Pot!” We held him up there and he tried his best—succeeding with two drops. We’ll probably see how interested he is really while Wes is in Canada. We may just invest in potty training stuff and jump on the opportunity. We took Lincoln to nursery today. The nursery leaders told us to drop him off, but I feel bad doing that to them when he’s not technically old enough. He’s going to adjust quickly. Trucks! This boy can find a truck and grumble it around for large amounts of time.  

The boys and I attended a library story time for the first time this week. They loved it—so it’ll probably become part of the general routine of walks, parks, songs, and books. They made little friends (funny since Lincoln’s favorite word of the week is “HelLO” and we met a little boy who loves “GoodBYE!” so they greeted and parted for about 5 minutes). We came home with 21 books—Levi can tell you about all of them, even the one on the Grand Canyon’s creation!

Joule spends a lot of time cramming my hip. The two of us grow bigger daily. Ultrasound this week!

From last week

After a week, we’re beginning to figure out a schedule. Wesley started orientation and work on Tuesday; he loves it. He is anxious to dive into the actual research issues (rather than figuring out the programs, places, etc.) yet has already enjoyed it more than anticipated. The people he works with are alive with ideas and excitement. His building is only two years old and the primary goal in its building was energy use—even before the people who would work there. The pillars are made from old pipes, the counters are ground sunflower seeds, everyone works in cubicles (including managers) with lower walls because they use almost all-natural light. Pretty cool. They offer yoga classes. Amazingly enough, Wesley doesn’t plan on utilizing these. As we settle more into the professional aspect of our summer, we’ll keep you posted.  The current report: awesome! Wesley entertains ideas of moving here permanently. I point to insanely high housing prices; he points to the mountains, weather, and fun mix of arts/science. Regardless, we’ll revel in our experience.

We originally planned (as in, for the last eight months or so) to purchase a van while in Colorado. This week we realized that we really don’t need one yet and it is wiser for us to wait until we return to Texas. This came as a bit of a surprise to us. We’re grateful for the knowledge we’ve gained and our opportunity to learn as we go. So—we were blessed to find a deal on a super nice bike for Wesley. To bike to work takes the same amount of time as driving. He now multitasks with his time—no extra workout needed! What a life!

                   

I’ve learned that electric ovens and I do not mix and that I have much to learn in terms of high altitude food prep. I’ve never ruined so much in my life. Thankfully, I’m not a big fan of food anyway. The food isn’t much different and the boys don’t care: depending on their moods they either eat or they don’t, no matter what or how it is. We did succeed in making banana bread in the waffle iron (no bread pans). Phew! A bit of hope!

Monday we attended the ward Memorial Day breakfast that the high priests and elders put on. We sang patriotic songs, ate, played horseshoes, and introduced ourselves to more people. Nice people. We love that the gospel remains the same everywhere and that people are changed and better as a result of living by it. We’re happy to be here. We just returned from dinner at one of their homes—she had a bird and a cat which the boys loved. Lucky us.

The boys continue adjusting. Due to lack of sleep, new routines, and new places they have been a bit more explorative and destructive. We fear they may pull out all of the blinds that cover the balcony door.

One of the benefits of living in a complex is the amount of motorcycles. Wearing helmets is not a law. Levi informs us that they’re all going home to find their helmets. Ha! Levi also protects us all. He’s concerned about staying close together, no one being left behind, and making sure Lincoln doesn’t wander anywhere with anything.

Levi is full of interesting and hilarious things to say. Usually he comments that he loves Dad and “no like Mom.” I’m okay with this (though today with melt downs and screaming and both of them refusing to let me hold them or help them into car seats and yelling, “DAD! DAD! DAD!” during Relief Society, I kind of wondered if the boys and I should put our friendship on hold until tomorrow…). They have a fully engaged and wonderful father—lucky me! But Tuesday while preparing dinner, Levi stood on a stool, wrapped his arms around me, leaned his head on my waist and said, “I love Mom soosoosoosooooooooo much.” Later, when Wes worked on his bike a little he commented, “Dad is strong like Mom!” That’s my boy!   

Lincoln loves jeeps, cars, dogs, climbing, and testing the skills of legions and legions of angels. I must shower before 6:45 a.m. if they are to survive. While I rushed through my shower Lincoln saunters in wielding a paring knife casually. No one lost a limb—I don’t know how aside from our angels. We introduced the boys to the pool (Levi was a bit wary at first). They love it. We stay until Lincoln shivers too much. We carry them back and forth in the water and they giggle. Lincoln dunks his head. We saw a pond later, dashed off running and yelling “POOL POOL POOL!”

Baby Joule dances. Almost nonstop. I brought the boys to my first appointment with the Colorado doctor. They listened intently to Joule’s heartbeat and talked about it all the way home. The entire staff swooned over the boys. Most people look at me like, “You’re having another one?” But once they look at our kids and how darling they generally act, they understand. Some days we’re grumpy (which is true for anyone) but wow we are blessed.

 On the road again!

 A couple old pictures before leaving Austin. You must love the bus adventure.

 Wes wanted a prego picture. Me with pink eye and 16 weeks along (now 19).

 Sometimes we try for family pictures...

 Touching Levi Newell Kendall's name

 With Grandparents Keller!

 Cousins! This is Lincoln's "cheese" face.

Men at the wedding. Royal entertained the boys by touching his nose with his tongue. Boys.

Hello from Colorado! I’ve missed a couple of weeks, so I’ll give a quick chronology (okay, we know it won’t be quick): on Monday, May 14 we left Austin and drove to Salina, Kansas. The next day we finished our journey to Golden—just in time to secure our apartment (complete with a key to a 24 hour gym!), and find a mattress for Levi and and pack-n-play for Lincoln, clean a bit, then go to bed. I can only explain our trip as miraculous. Our boys travel well; living far from everything has perfected their skills, but thirty hours driving in two days takes a toll on anyone. Usually we can see when people pray for us in hindsight, but this was one of those beautiful moments when we recognized how present those prayers, angels, and help are all the time. Crazy as it sounds we thoroughly enjoyed our little jaunt. Praise to the truckers who honked and waved and simply existed for Lincoln! Praise to the multiple backhoes and excavators for Levi! And praise to the green fields, rocks, horses, cows, dogs, and God’s creations so that we could all ooh and ahh over them. The boys sang, talked, and played with trucks the entire way. Amazing.

We set up house on Wednesday and Thursday. Primarily, this meant scrambling through the suitcases to figure out what we brought, buying dishes, towels, sheets, and groceries. We’re still looking for a bed-thing for us and a table and chairs, but that will happen. 800 square feet is positively roomy when empty. Living on the fourth floor increases my gratitude that our stuff is stored in Texas—not only is it easier to clean and dance around in, but we didn’t have to haul too much up the narrow stairs! We live just steps away from trailheads into the mountains and a zillion stores, churches, libraries, etc. are within less than three miles. We’re excited to settle and explore.  The apartment smells a bit like musty dog urine, but I’m oversensitive to silly things like that. After scrubbing every cranny multiple times and baking cookies, hope increases.

On Friday, we piled back into the car, drove through Wyoming (lots of wind, yet no sagebrush. Can you sing “Colors of the Wind”? Then you’ll find the redemption in Wyoming) to Utah where we stayed with my sister’s family. The boys loved getting out of the car. They loved running, playing, and spending time with Bodie. So cute.

Saturday we shared a tender experience as Diana received her endowment. We were asked to be the witness couple. Seeing all those people rejoicing in the temple and making covenants for themselves and those they love just thrilled me. Wesley and I haven’t been to a session together for a while. The Spirit and joy there, especially as we watched Diana and met Kelly, isn’t something I can fully articulate. The Lord is merciful to us and helps us open our eyes and hearts even when they want rest. We’re glad to be awake!

Before the session, we stopped at Temple Square with some of the Cole clan. Levi counted temples and churches with glee. We saw the Christus. Lincoln shouted, “JESUS!” and Levi pondered, then said, “Jesus has holes in hands and feet. Holes!” We’ve been talking about it in more detail since then. I love trying to explain our Father’s plan for us, our Savior’s humility and love, and the individual care He takes for us represented by those “holes.” We also took the boys to touch Levi Newell Kendall’s name on the pioneer statue. We told them about our pioneer ancestor (one of Levi’s namesakes) and how he scouted and guided other pioneers across the country while we drove from Texas. I don’t know how much they understood. Levi loved finding his name, though.

We spent the week between Preston and Logan with my family. Levi ran out of the room every morning looking for Bodie, Pop Corrie, or Gram Stacy. Lincoln soon eased back into his usual routine of holding small objects and wandering, slowly opening cupboards, and then sneaking in to tease Levi. We spent some time with my grandparents (and their cows), rested, and I ate more than my fair share of cheese enchiladas with red sauce for Joule. Lincoln’s expanding vocabulary now includes “eyes,” “teeth,” “ears,” and “nose!” He couldn’t eat during one dinner because he discovered Pop Corrie’s eyes and needed everyone else to notice them also. Grandma Buttars gave him a set of little colorful bowls which he contentedly stacks, shuffles, fills, dumps, stacks…a very happy boy even sleep deprived and teething! Bodie and Levi surprised us all by how well they shared. All the boys showed off their professional basketball skills; yet the walls at the Frischknecht house remain standing! Through all of this transition, Levi impresses us with his potty skills. Our travels encouraged him to be more independent and efficient, a blessing we didn’t anticipate for a while. The boys even slept well. We look forward to a consistent schedule now, but they’re teaching us a lot about settling and adjusting to wherever you happen to be. Go Levi and Lincoln!

We loved being with our family for Diana and Kelly’s wedding on Friday. What a wonderful group she married into. Kelly is obviously a good man. Watching their affection and conversation made me excited for their future. And it gave me more opportunity to celebrate my Wesley. I adore him. Marriage, particularly eternal marriage, just fills me with giddiness. Welcome to the family Kelly!

Another cool experience. We stayed with great-Aunt Jeannine (Christine’s aunt) on the weekend. Her shelves overflow with family history. She and Christine have been working on four years of Grandma Mary Musser Wright’s journals. Jeannine wants to make them more readable and publish them. She’s edited them and then felt that she could do no more. She felt that help would come. Then she saw me: a “professional writer.” Now, that’s an overstatement, but I’ve been praying to know how to gain a stronger relationship with our ancestors and communicate their stories to our little family. One of my recent students took my class strictly for my benefit rather than hers; she writes and researches her family history and has been doing so for years. Working with her made me see that I need to do so also. When Jeannine showed me the journals I thought, Wow! We were both prepared for this! I don’t know that I’ll contribute to the project much, but we’re excited.

We partied with the Longmores. Levi and Lincoln attached permanently to Tressia, Hiram, David, and Royal. Royal and David are now associated with the temple and exploration—a good combination if you ask me! Gram Cole played with trucks and cars and Grandpa Cole showed them the wonder of outside and dogs even while they were here and there and everywhere with wedding stuff. We love our family!

We drove back through Wyoming yesterday. With stops and all of that, we arrived home around 11 p.m. tired, fulfilled, and ready to discover our present life.

 Blurry packing pictures due to joy and movement

Lincoln showing off at Dr. Edgar's ranch

 

Happy Mother’s Day! We love our moms. We love to celebrate our moms. Thank you for being so resilient, patient, and brave. Thank you for being so consistent. Thank you for still loving us when we’re crazy and faulty and learning. Thank you for continuing to teach us how to be good people and helping us as we parent. Thank you for trusting us to live good lives and believing in us. Christine, thank you for your common sense and perspective. Mom, thank you for letting me vent and reminding me to come back to reality—and still liking me! Being a mom has taught me that mother’s day happens in small moments each day in slobbery kisses and new words and the victories of sharing. It makes me appreciate all the things I never even thought about growing up (like holding my forehead when I yarked. Levi does that for me now!). We love you!

We’re a little tired today in our empty house. But hey—the floors are vacuumed and scrubbed, the toilets and cupboards sparkle, and there are only a few tractors scattered. We’re almost through finishing off the fridge stuff and we excitedly anticipate our trip tomorrow. We start as soon as possible (hopefully by 7:30) and head north. Our hotel in Salina awaits!

Funny moment from Primary. My class wondered, individually and as a group, if they get a “prize” or “award” since I’m moving. Sure, I thought I’m learning—but was it that bad? We made them cookies and froze them. They acted out all sorts of things today. I think they know prayers are answered. I love Primary.

A quick recap of last week (since I missed): On Thursday, Wesley presented his proposal for Ph.D. research to his committee. Stellar performance. Cool, confident, knowledgeable, prepared. Plus his idea (and image) for the smart energy matrix rocks. I sat on the front row and beamed. I don’t think the room needed any other light; I just projected it all over the place. The committee made some very helpful comments and now Wes is tweaking his thought process to improve the project. The preliminary presentation allows students and professors to touch base, exchange ideas, and assure that the research is worthwhile and taking the candidate where he or she wants to go. Wesley’s fits all of that, but it can be refined as he seeks an academic position in the future. The professors on the committee have already offered invaluable advice. Following the tradition of prelims and personal presentations, the presenter provides refreshments. So we made six types of cookies throughout the week because everything I touched seemed to fail—but they finally worked out. Obviously, these people need to eat more homemade food because they voted to award me an honorary Ph.D. in cookies. I’ll take it. Life goal: check!

We spent a lot of time on prelim and packing prep last week. I hosted book group (more failed cookies, banana bread, and homemade pudding…) on Tuesday which was only subpar because people don’t really give poetry a chance; meaning, they decide before they read it not to like it and then even if the really don’t like it, they don’t want to think about it outside of the content. I’ll now stop ranting.

We (being me and Joule) visited Dr. Loar who I love, love, love. She says that if we’re going to move during pregnancy, this is the best time to do it. Joule looks “perfect” and once we find a Colorado doctor we’ll find out if Levi and I are right in assuming more boys or if Wes is justified in thinking pink.

Some funnies from the boys last week: Levi wants to ballroom dance with Lincoln. Lincoln prefers hip-hop on his own. Lincoln loves dancing without being pushed around. Levi has started singing, a lot. Lincoln especially enjoys dancing to Levi’s version of “Give, Said the Little Stream.” Levi sings, then says, “AGAIN! More AGAIN!” and Lincoln points at us and grunts until we sing again. We drove to Dr. Edgar’s ranch for a research group party and instead of going to sleep on the two hour drive home, the boys stayed awake and we all sang as a family. Lincoln filled in the “oohhs” “ahhhs” and “lalalalas.” Both continue to build their linguistic prowess. Levi: “I’m going to smash this bug. Right now!” Lincoln walked into our work room with open boxes and said, “Box! Hats!” So fun.

Okay. Now for this week. Somehow, for the first time in my life, I contracted pink eye. I prayed and prayed all night on Saturday and Sunday that my eyes would heal and I’d be able to help drive to Colorado. (It was bad enough that I couldn’t see.) As my primary lesson reminded me, God answers our prayers in the best way. We found an urgent care place that quickly gave me an antibiotic and my eyes are significantly better today. Wes caught it mildly but is doing okay. Miraculously, the boys are unscathed. I think I really needed to learn to appreciate my eyes and all that they enable me to do. I’ve been appreciating the sweet curve of the boys’ jaws, the brown and gold flecks in Wesley’s eyes, the beauty of bloody noses even! What a gorgeous color of red! I would miss shadows and the differences in light. I would miss shapes and the way things fit together. So. I’m grateful for pink eye. And I hope we have a while before it happens again!

On Monday, we did the traditional, post-prelim thank you luncheon for Wesley’s research group. Usually the person who did his prelim just takes everyone out to lunch—but that’s expensive and kind of greasy. We planned on a few over 20 people. Pasta salads, fruits, chocolate sheet cake, hoagies, etc. And only about 12 people showed up! It gave us the chance to share with others, though. They seemed to like homemade food. One of them had been living on a jar of peanut butter for two weeks. And she was the girl!

Mostly we packed. All week. A box at a time. As suggested earlier, we loaded the truck yesterday. Bless all those who loaded our stuff at our house and then unloaded us at the clean storage unit. I’m glad we don’t have to unpack the boxes for a few months. I’m looking forward to simpler living; although I will miss my “precious things”=my books!

As usual, the boys are hilarious. Levi learned to say “hoagie bun” and said it until it became “hold you bum.” Or perhaps it was “Hold you, bum!” Or a “Hold, you bum!” Or who knows. It sounds soft and marketable, though. Levi’s stained his white shirt (finally) beyond repair last week. He had to wear a plaid one today. This caused melt-down mode, until Wes pointed out that they still match because of their pockets. Levi has been a trooper for the entire moving process. He helped Lincoln choose toys (and even packed the box!), he “dusted,” and he told me how all of the stuff would take care of each other while we live in Colorado. When we sorted through Wesley’s missionary tub I told Levi about it. “

            Levi serve mish!” he told me. “Mom serve mish?”

            “I’ll serve a mission when I’m older with dad.”

            Pause. “I serve mish when old old old and big. With Linc! I serve mish!”

Lincoln felt differently. He did not like things in boxes—aside from dancing on those boxes. He wanted our stuff out. I’d pack three things, he’d take out four. But he’ll be okay and we made it. They found a bunch of the moving/wrapping paper I saved, dumped it out and swam in it. Awesome! Both of the boys loved the moving truck. Lincoln talked about the “cuck” all day long. In the midst of all this, they play “basketball” by throwing balls all over and chasing them. Life is good.

 Prelim cookies

  It's good to be brothers.