Dear Riley,

We have survived the first hours. I spent time on Facebook changing my profile pic to our hug and the cover to the family photo where all our faces are close together.  I refused to make dinner last night and Aleah made ramen noodles. 

I read Josie "How I Became a Cheerleader" before bed, changing all the Pirates to cheerleaders.  She protested a little but was pretty entertained by it as the story progressed.

Cambry came after work to exchange cars and got me out the door to shop groceries.  But when I got home at 9, you weren't there to direct the storing.  Parker and Dad helped, but I still missed you.  I’m moving at the pace of a tree sloth.

I decided to soak in a bath. But of course that meant that I had to clean the tub and shower stall.  So I got to bed at midnight.  Josie woke us up at 5:30 this morning saying she'd peed in her pajamas.  I didn't respond except a grunt, so Dad got up with her.  She was being so difficult and he was tired (and possibly hungry?) and everything escalated with her screaming downstairs.  So, knowing what I wanted to have happen =more sleep, I went down with her.  She had not had a full accident and had not gone to the bathroom so her bladder was fit to burst.  So after a potty run, we settled in for an hour nap and she is obviously tired, yet sweet this morning.  She frequently gets her hand pinned in that purple pin thingy.  I know you explained to her to her why her hand can’t go between the pins and the Plexiglas and I told her so.  But it’s better than an entire day spend on the boy game, like yesterday.

Parker started off to school this morning but his bike was still at the school from yesterday.  He said he asked you what all the commotion was about this morning while it was happening and you didn't answer.  He decided you were still asleep, but then realized you likely were asleep.... but in the MTC.  I think having your phone is a good distraction for him.

 

I realized it was J C who gave you the $25 and she brought the cookies.  Plus write a thank you to T, M B, and Bro and Sis P.  I will deliver if you send them to me.  Post mart is the best way to get stuff to you, but I’m not sure it works the other way.  Other missionaries will know.

Dad will announce every now and then what he anticipates you're doing right now.  That helps me.  He starts funeral-o-rama, or three funerals in 6 days, today .  This afternoon the girls have piano, I have school community council, Aleah has her Reflections awards, and I have book group tonight. 

I’m going to go exercise now.  Really, I am.  ‘Cause I just ate Josie’s donut.  J

I love you.  Have a wonderful time.

Love,

Mom