first day

It feels like order has returned to the universe. The children have resumed school. I spent the day cleaning out cupboards and enjoying the sounds of two small boys playing without bossy big kids around. I caught up with friends. I read my scriptures unrushed. I felt less overwhelmed in my crazy house.

Cooper is excited to be the BMOC as a 5th grader now that the 6th graders have moved to the middle school. He is planning on running for ASB president, is excited to be back in band playing the trumpet and is happy to be back with his friends.
For her first day, Eliza insisted on a side-braid and ponytail hairstyle very reminiscent of my junior high days. Her transition seems smooth and she came right home to record her day in her journal.

Wilson walked into the house today with, drum roll please, an official football helmet. He is still obsessed with football but also briefly mentioned blowing things up in science class. He seems confident and happy, for now.

Max asked no less than 587 times if tomorrow is school. Then he asked another 345 times if he gets to go to school right after breakfast, or will it be a long time. He is a very excited kindergartener.
Marcos is content playing with his trucks, reading his train book and eating entire packs of gum that he rummaged from my purse.

Tonight Tony gave back to school blessings. Marcos was promised a joyous temperment and a strong growing body. Maxwell was blessed with curiosity and an ability to overcome anxiety and face his fears. Tony got a little emotional when he blessed Max with the knowledge and testimony that Heavenly Father sent him to this family. Eliza was blessed with inner strength and ability to perceive the needs of others and recognize those who need a friend. They will be blessed with her smile. Additionally her mind will learn as she reads regularly and she will be able to focus with her ears and mind to understand new concepts. She was blessed with increaded confidence.

Both Tony and Cooper had moist eyes following his blessing. He was promised strength of body and spirit as well as insight into the needs of others and an ability to be a true friend. Heavenly Father told Cooper if he works on patience and controlling his temper, his spiritual growth will not be hindered and that he will be a great orator and peacemaker. Cooper was blessed with the knowledge that Heavenly Father has specifically placed him in our family as a second son behind Wilson for a purpose and that he will both teach and learn from his big brother. He was promised an increased desire to study the scriptures and that he will gain a testimony and know the Savior.

Heavenly Father promised Wilson that he will have an increased ability to organize himself and focus on what's important. He will have increased strength to fight and recognize the adversary through priesthood, prayer and things learned in our family. He will receive the sword of the spirit to defend himself from the adversary who want to keep him from going on a mission. Satan knows this is his chance while his testimony is growing, to prevent him from growing into a mighty servant of the Lord. Finally Wilson was told he will have an easy ability to speak with friends about the gospel. Tony concluded with, "the Lord needs you on his team."

Words are inadequate to express how blessed I feel to be married to a man worthy to speak on behalf of God to my children.