Ahhh...

That, my friends, is the sound of relief: midterm exams over (yes, I passed them all), research papers written, Parent-Teacher conferences attended, now I can rest--right after I start working on my next paper, create a PowerPoint presentation, read and evaluate two dozen research papers, proofread Chapter 2 of the textbook my professor is writing; read, grade, and record a bunch of generally mind-numbing discussion board posts for the online class, catch up on my reading assignment for New Testament, and attack the Everest-sized mountain which is my laundry. Thank goodness it's Hayden's night to cook!

The boys have been busy as well. Cameron got braces on Monday and is adjusting to that reality. Parker started night school--not because he's falling behind: he's taking U.S. Government and Economics so he will only have to go half day come January. Can you think what his motivation might be? I'll give you a hint:

Jacob wanted me to watch his Halloween program at school today, which was scheduled for the same time I had hoped to go running. Ever the creative problem-solver, I killed three birds with one stone: I ran to his school, watched the performance, then ran home. Exercise, check. Therapy, check. Demonstrate parental support, check. It snowed about an inch last night, but the sidewalks and roads were mostly clear. Though it was foggy, it wasn't too cold, and best of all, there was no wind. I meant to take a picture of the temple as I ran past--it looked so pretty in the fog--but I was running late, literally. Jacob's school is further from our home than I realized. Fortunately, they were also running late. I got there just as they were starting, my supermom status preserved once again. (Just don't ask Parker how many school programs I attended when he was in elementary school.)