necklaces, hikes, and puppets OH MY

well, we made it to church on time. we are finding a groove for our new meeting time this year.

Gladys gave her talk (though I didn't get to see it), I remembered to pay my tithing, I filled out a survey, I juggled a furious Ebenezer who refuses to go to nursery all of a sudden, I got a sweet gift from my ministering sister (a belated bday card and meaningful necklace), Walter had a good experience passing the sacrament for the first time, James said he sang in singing time and tried to be good, I remembered to ask about Walter's recommend, Richard somehow went to sunbeam class and came away with flying colors, and... I heard some nice testimonies in little moments throughout.

on our way out of the church, we saw a very large and lively roach walking along the sidewalk toward the bike rack. I couldn't believe it, honestly, because it's just not roach season. despite how much it reminded me of Charles, and wondered if he had sent it just for us, I still shouted, "SMASH IT!" and my kids did. but then Richard walked over and touched it. so... ew.

we stopped by Charles's grave before church and listened to a conference talk, but after church, we came home for lunch and then I left for my hike. Only Leena and Richard wanted to tag along. Lindy didn't get to vote, but I took her anyway... she refused to cooperate for a picture.

The afternoon was challenging. I wanted to sleeeeeeeeeeep. I needed to get things done but I didn't want to. But I also could not rest because I had so many kids interrupting me at all times. 

Finally, at the last minute, I got up and made the kids tidy while I did dishes and made dinner. dinner that no one liked. And some kids went to bed really mad that I made dinner they didn't like, combined with the fact that we had a family vote on what to do tomorrow for the holiday. But five of the kids stayed up for family church... where we made puppets and did a show on Nephi getting the plates.

I called Jeff and we had a chat before the calendar meeting with my mom.

and then I took my math final. got an 88%. which is higher than I thought I would get. Maybe I can squeeze out an A? I don't know. but it is behind me nonetheless!

Tomorrow is all planned out. 

May the force be with me.