Sometimes once a year feels like too much...

It will be nice when going to annual tithing settlement doesn't involve heart palpitations and me being in a cold sweat.  Yes, today was tithing settlement and as is customary, our family of 7 met with the Bishop.  Here are some highlights:

--During the introductory chit-chat, Ashton and Hunter are socking each other and laughing uncontrollably.

--I am desperately trying to get their attention by yell-whispering, "Guys!  Shhhh!" while keeping a smile on my face as if I am sweet and somewhat amused.  But I am not either of these.

--Elisabeth is kicking the bishop's desk and accidentally kicks in one of the doors on the front of it.  The Bishop seems distracted with the introductory chit-chat so when Madison points at the door that Elisabeth has just demolished, I tell her to be quiet.

--Hunter, who was behind on paying tithing, when prompted by Robert as to whether he could make it up by the end of the year responds, "I don't know!  I can't tell the future!"  And then an exasperated, "FINE!  I'll do it!"  He then gets the giggles with Elisabeth and they won't control themselves.

--The Bishop has a basket of candy for the kids on his desk within their reach.  Elisabeth forages for candy like a starving squirrel while he is talking and won't stop in spite of my desperate whispers, "Stop!  Just pick one!"

--Upon getting in the car I reprimand Hunter on his disrespectful behavior and nominate him to teach tomorrow's family night lesson on the importance of TITHING.  He acts like he has never heard of the concept of tithing before.

--Robert telling the kids on the way home, "Sunday is officially over for us.  Don't answer the door, don't answer the phone and whatever you do, DON'T ask me and mom to do anything!"  Well said.