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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 First day of school!

Grandma Venice Buttars with Venice Christine Cole

 Nissy with great-Grandparents Keller

 Labor Day hike at Mayhem Gulch

 Natural History Museum!

 Slightly awkward face fixed with a kiss. Thanks Aunt Angie and Johnny for the darling outfit!

 Project: Grape Juice

Picture update

Below: Our awesome neighbor showing the boys how to use the hose from the fire truck!

 Matching rakes! And the joys of a thunderstorm (below).

 We try for family pictures. Alas...

 Grandma Stacy!

More Pictures

Welcome Venice Christine!

Born July 25, almost 6 pounds.

 Sibling party!

What a great week with Grandma and Grandpa Cole! When we prepped the boys on Friday night that they had to leave, Levi whimpered, “But I want them to stay with us forever!” And Lincoln suggested they live with us. Keller looked for Grandpa all morning on Saturday after they left. That’s the problem with visitors: they leave! Even though I’m slow and boring these days, we had a great time having them here. Grandma unloaded all sorts of delights from her suitcases—including kindergarten quiz cards and a ton of Wesley’s small childhood footballs and a Bob the Builder book shaped like a saw (we had already ruined the last one she brought). All of them attached to a ball. Levi went through all the cards with Grandma. Lincoln sawed everyone in half then cut them back up. Grandpa tried to work in the office, but had frequent visitors. He paused to toss the boys on the couch occasionally. He met Wesley for lunch at a park with us one day, and every evening played and played. They ran around playing baseball—and just running. I took a nap almost every day and they basically ensured that the household kept running smoothly and happily while I blobbed around. They stayed with boys so I could run errands alone. They read stories. They ran. They ran. They ran. They endured my emotional and energy roller-coastering. They showered everyone with affection.

Christine washed the windows, cleaned off a high fan, weeded our front flowerbed, did dinner, and even swiped my kitchen floor on her hands and knees so I wouldn’t do it. She amazes me at her ability to see ways to serve others and love them. She doesn’t care about the silly floor, but I do and she cares about me. She expresses her thoughts so forthrightly, genuinely, and lovingly. She always teaches me so much when she’s around. We kept both her and Chad up talking at night. Chad is so encouraging and kind. He told us funny stories of growing up and gave us great insights into how we can be better missionaries—including what they’re doing in Kuna. I am forever grateful I married Wes—then extra blessed in my parents-in-law!

On Wednesday we went to a concert in the park. This week featured traditional Liberian drumming. They taught us songs and dances which we sang for the rest of the week. At the playground Lincoln decided to be a “mean pirate.” He commenced yelling and showing his hand shaped like a hook to the world. One little girl nearby burst into tears then didn’t stop until we left. Thursday evening they took the boys to the Lakeside Amusement park. We earned free entrance and ride passes in the reading program. We also went to a library program where the boys learned to draw rockets then watercolor over the oil pastel. I couldn’t have done that without help! Friday we picked Wesley up from work to head to the Mount Falcoln for a little evening hike. Beautiful evening! Lincoln threw up on the way there and back (“This wasn’t even a windy road!” he moaned), but otherwise we thoroughly enjoyed the rocks, view, and fresh, cool night. Chad gave Wesley a father’s blessing that night as well as assisting in blessing me.

So, while I really hoped that they’d get to meet little Venice Christine (note that whenever I said, “Christine,” Lincoln would run to my tummy to check on his sister)—they told me that she probably won’t come until the 24^th, which is Grandma Ruth Cole’s birthday. I’m resigned that she’ll arrive sometime in September.

Levi could play games, virtual or otherwise, all day long. Grandma taught him to play Mah Jong. He also loves “scary” stories. As a result of some of Grandma and Grandpa’s stories of being scared, he drew pictures of monsters. Our neighbors were outside working on the cul-de-sac flowerbed. We decided to help. Levi loaded buckets of mulch, oohing over the grubs. He attached to Grandma and didn’t want to let go. Watching him hold onto her all week was fun. He teased her on our hike about high places, then reassured her that he wouldn’t let her get too scared.

Lincoln has been full of funny things. He’s wanted to get married. When he couldn’t marry a brother, he wanted to marry Venice. When we explained he couldn’t marry her, he wanted to marry Wes. After that it seemed he gave up. A few days later I heard his sweet, distressed voice, “But Mom I want to marry you! I’ve been saving my money to marry you!” Grandma brought a talking Mickey Mouse. When we took off his clothes to wash them, Lincoln studied between his legs. “But where is his boy part?” Later when he went to the bathroom he covered his penis, grinning, “I’m Mickey Mouse!”

Keller is growing. He has been taking long naps. He reminds me of his constant need for “SNACKS!” which is helpful since I forget. I think he knows a new sister is coming. His nights have been a little restless, but he plows on. Each day brings more words: we always look forward to them and the fewer meltdowns that result from communication. We pulled out the baby swing and car seat. “BABY!” he joyfully exclaims. Then he climbs in. We’re practicing with them before an actual little girl arrives so he doesn’t smash her.

Wesley’s work continues to go well. Wesley finished up some projects that ran through his brain even in dreamland. He’s also been diligently figuring out his ward clerk responsibilities. Yesterday after taking the Coles to the airport, he sent me to the temple since I won’t be able to go for a while. He took the boys to a splash pad and plays, plays, plays with them. Such an amazing daddy.

We decided that on Saturdays our scripture study will focus on our family needs. After reviewing Sister Reeves’s talk from conference and talking with the Coles, we concluded that we should begin these discussions by checking on how we’re doing with core things: prayer, study, family home evening and personal testimony. There will always be other developmental things to focus on as well, but this is what matters most. I’m excited for our future discussions on this.

In baby news: I meet with the doctor tomorrow morning. It looks as if I’ll have to be induced (what a funny twist of expectations!). If she doesn’t arrive before, we’ll probably invite her here on Friday since my mom flies in on Thursday evening. We’ll keep you posted. 

 Sharing the bike.

 A note from Levi. He copied one that Wesley left by the door we most often use.

 Playing with Grandma and Grandpa at the park and the library.

 39 weeks!

 On a ride at Lakeside.

 37ish weeks along. I'm not very good at these kinds of pictures...

 Keller and Will!

 Tressia and Wes playing a duet of "'Tis a Gift to Be Simple"

 Writing notes at breakfast

 Fourth of July complete with glow-sticks!

 Keller clutching my legs at the beginning of fireworks (and Lincoln running down a steep hill)

We have been missing the Knapps since Monday. “When will our friend Will come back? When will they be our neighbors?” To console the boys we pulled out the Legos. Levi started quoting one of the scriptures they memorized in primary about families being bound together and sealed in the temple; he expounded upon this at Family Home Evening very seriously. They prayed for Uncle Royal then all three marched to “I Hope They Call Me on a Mission.” So even at a distance—we do think about and love you!

Today Wes was sustained and set apart as the ward clerk. We’re excited for the new learning experience and opportunity to work more with the bishopric. I was sustained and set apart as an official nursery worker. Awesome!

Our 4^th of July turned out to be a wonderful holiday for everyone. We went to a pool not far from our house that turned out not too crowded. All three showed off their swimming skills to Wes. He told me to sit down and read a book! After two hours of being fish and turtles, they were all wiped out. We rested, played games, then went to Arvada to explore the community celebration. Free Frisbees and suckers, tons of people, military vehicles, police, and red-white-blue. We staked out a spot on a hill then stayed for the fireworks. They’ve never seen fireworks in real life—so this was a huge, glorious, ringing event. Next year we’ll be more prepared with water, jackets, and outdoor game-stuff—but this seems like a good tradition to start!

The weeks have been going by surprisingly fast for as slow as I move. Don’t worry: Venice is not slowing down at all! She’s even given me a few new stretch marks lately. The boys are content to run crazy in the mornings and putter in the afternoons. We go to parks, see free events (including a darling little man who makes homemade instruments out of thrift store and side-of-the-road finds), and pretending. They run around as Buzz or a fox or whatever enters their fancy. Lincoln decided to transform into an eagle. Since eagles eat meat (including deer? At least in his mind) he told me that he’d make me a deer birthday cake, freeze the meat and use it for the rest of our family birthdays. Sweet sentiment even if I don’t really want to participate.

We survived grocery shopping by pretending to be a family of kangaroos (kangaroos don’t roll on the ground, but they can jump, and there’s a spot for Venice…etc.). They were champions! Keller saw a baby girl in an aisle and cooed, “Baby! Baby!” then he reached over the cart handle to rub my tummy. “Baby! Baby!” he grinned. I guess he’s as prepared as he can be for his new sister.

Levi writes signs, notes, letters, and all sorts of other things. I found a note on my desk that says, “I love Mom. I love Dad” complete with a picture of our family and the alphabet. He had a sudden burst of kindergarten excitement and wrote a sign for his backpack, “I tell jokes and I laugh so I’m a joker.” We really need to help him learn better jokes…Lincoln is picking up on the note writing and leaving all sorts of notes and pictures for us. I love it. Keller was born with this desire. We may have to repaint the house because he always finds a pen (preferred to pencil or crayon) and will probably die with one in hand because no one can pry it away from him.

Other fun things:

Levi helped clean door windows at the church (we cleaned it yesterday) and said, “My tithing helps buy the cleaner!”

Lincoln sprawled over my lap: “Tickle my tummy with your claws!”

Keller babbled a prayer. He loves music. We have a few phonics songs and he sings all the sounds proudly—although he sometimes gets stuck on “Hhhhh!”

Wesley found old dos games, including Mario typing and “Oregon Trail.” All of them are giddy over this.

We love you!