Boise Temple Open House

We thought it would be fun on this, rainy, autumn morning to take the boys to the Temple open house. It was so much fun to take them through and watch them take it all in. Jonah, lover of all things elemental and mineral, absolutely loved seeing all the crystal chandeliers and gilding. His favorite room was the Celestial Room. Ezra was so excited, he wouldn't stop talking! "oh! Look at the crystals!" it was such a fun experience, exploring the Temple with them, and we even took time in the rain to get a picture in front of our shiny, new Temple.

These are the Things I Want to Remember

I want to remember how Jonah thinks everything is so beautiful, so wondrous, that he insists we take a photo of it.

I want to remember the love and enthusiasm Jonah possess for learning--geography, geology, chemistry--an unending stream of curiosity. Please let him keep that always.

I want to remember Jonah's sweet face, pleading for a photo of him and "the coolest wheat stalk ever". It makes me want to take those photos even when he isn't around, just so I can see his face light up when I show him later.

I want to remember my tiny, little dynamo when he really was tiny. He has no fear and conquers every challenge.

I want to remember the Saturday morning hikes in the mountains--where every rock, every bush, every bug warrants a photo. I want to remember watching tiny legs run ahead of me on the mountain trails, and the excitement of being out there.

So many things, everyday, I wish I could just grab onto and never let go. I just want to carry a recorder wherever I go and catch every funny, precious, amazing word, every adventure, every joy.

I truly hope I can remember it all.

Such a cute boy!

"Look, Mom! Isn't this the coolest leaf?! It's changing colors but not all the colors are changed yet. Quick, take a picture of it! "

First Day of Kindergarten!

Well, school started off with a bang- well, more like a whimper...and some screaming....and some prying of little hands off my clothing so we could get him into the classroom.....oh, yes, that was my kid! The last one remaining, refusing, crying, screaming "no, no, no" as I and 3 other grown adults wrestle him off me and into the classroom where the door is then slammed shut quick enough that he can't run back out. Sigh.  Rough. His teacher texted me a little while ago (apparently they do that now), and told me he is fine and happy and interacting. That's my boy.  

I know he will love school, I hope he will love school. PLEASE let him love school! Its tough letting him go, knowing that others will influence him now. I hope the other kids are nice to him, that he will make good choices, that he will love to learn. So many hopes and fears resting on his sturdy, little shoulders, and he can't ever know that. He will see our smiles, hear our words of encouragement, all the while we will pray for this precious boy of ours. World, please be good to him. Please don't damage his gentle spirit. Don't tarnish his tender heart. 

*I will add pictures soon! Can't get it to work on the iPad. 

A Whole Year!

Well, the past year sure flew by! It has been over a year since I last wrote anything on our little blog. It's been a busy year full of travel, fun, family and kids. The boys are growing and changing so fast, I hardly have time to regroup each night let alone sit down and blog. I miss writing, though; I miss all the everyday moments I haven't written down that I don't want to forget. So I will try harder to takes a few moments and jot down the memories I don't want to lose, so i can bask in those memories of my little family one day when they are big.

Ten Years

About three minutes before I began writing this, Amanda and I completed our tenth anniversary as a married couple. We spent the day doing all kinds of things to celebrate our tenure as husband and wife including visiting the doctor to diagnose a strep infection, buying cough drops and nasal strips to help ease Amanda discomfort, and enjoying a special dinner with the kids (and not Amanda) at IHOP for funny-faced pancakes. I travel next week so I won't get another crack at an anniversary celebration with my favorite girl for a few days.

The one thing that struck me though is that the anniversaries are just inventions used to keep track of ticks on a calendar. The grandest celebration of ten years of marriage happens everyday we show our appreciation and love for each other, especially during the times that require little more than non-romantic boring work, patience, and willingness to sacrifice for someone that you've devoted your life to.

I love you, Amanda, and I'm looking forward to the rest of eternity with you (just as soon as we catch a rain check for that anniversary date!)

-Levi

Happy Birthday, Ezra!!

Happy 1st Birthday, my sweet Ezra!

We can hardly believe an entire year has passed since we welcomed you into the world! From Day One you have surprised us in so many ways--from the way you were born, your stay in the NICU, the heath problems we had to face--but most of all, you surprised us by how very much and how instantly we could love another child. Our hearts grew the day you were born; our love for you grows infinitely with every passing minute. You are such a joy to have in our family! Your bright smile, your darling chuckle and your rough-and-tumble attitude has won our hearts over and over again.

I am amazed every day to watch you grow; and watch in disbelief as you seemingly learn something new every minute of the day. You melt my heart with the words you say (Baby,

Brother, Ball, Bye, All Done, Momma, Daddy) and it never fails to make me cheer, no matter how many times you speak. You are turning into such a little boy! You love to wrestle around with Jonah, trying so hard to keep up with him. I know it is only a matter of time before the mischief begins.

You are loved beyond words and we are so grateful you are a part of our family. We wish you joy on this day and joy throughout your life. I love your exuberance and excitement in all things, and I hope that stay with you always. Be happy. Be wonderful. Be yourself. We will always love you beyond measure.

Happy first birthday!

Love,

Mommy & Daddy

*pictures later!