August 31, 2015

Fruit Basket!!

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• Getting back into the swing of things are always difficult on Monday mornings and today was no different.  We started off our morning a little bit slow but soon sped up.  Everyone spent quite a bit of time today filling and refilling their bowls of cereal.  This would have been fine except that bowl after bowl of cereal spilled on the floor.  At one point during the day, I probably had enough rice krispies on the floor to make Robby a batch of rice krispy treats.
• Next week the kids have a project due along with our homeschool buddies and this has proved to be quite a project-for me!  Hopefully we can get everything finished in time-crossing my fingers.
• We stopped school at noon and I made everyone clean up and work on our chores.  Thankfully vacuuming was already on the list for today so we were able to vacuum up all of that cereal. 
• After we had finished picking up, we ate our spaghetti leftovers outside since Anderson had worked so hard on cleaning the kitchen floor.  While we were outside, I read a chapter of Galatians to the kids and it mentioned Abraham a few times.
• This mentioning of Abraham really confused Anderson and he asked me again and again "who?" and "now what?"  I finally reminded him that Abraham happened in the Old Testament and Paul from the New Testament was writing this book.  Then Anderson sighed a big "oh!" and continued with "I thought it was talking about Abraham Lincoln and I couldn't figure out how Paul knew him."
• As soon as we had finished lunch, Nonna and Pops were at the front door with a watermelon basket full of fruit.  My girls went to town on that basket and tonight it is practically empty.  Pretty much as soon as they came in, Anderson and I left out the door for a quick doctor's visit.  
• During church last night Anderson started complaining that his ear was hurting and since he was pretty stuffy, we decided to take him to the doctor today.  I had almost changed my mind but went ahead and made the appointment and it was a good thing that I did since he ear was pretty nasty!  
• This evening was spent taking apart our two sets of bunk beds.  Kind of makes me sad-I guess this boy and girl room is really going to happen and my people are getting too big for bunk beds (or some of them at least).  They can not be more excited and the fact that everyone is sleeping on their mattresses on the floor thrills them all to death.
• After our supper, we loaded up for Krispy Kreme to reward the kids for their good behavior last night when we were out to eat (and to use an expiring coupon).  The doughnuts were good but we were pretty disappointed with the Krispy Kreme experience there tonight-customer service was not there at all.
• Back at home, we brushed out teeth and then sent everyone to bed-but they are so excited up there about sleeping on just mattresses that it sounds like I have 5 kids on trampolines above my head!

August 30, 2015

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• Sunday morning here and we had doughnuts.  Friday we had found some on sale at Kroger and the kids could not wait until today so we could eat those babies.  I am not sure why a doughnut with gummy worms on it can be such an attraction to everyone.  Robby had to go and find a bag of gummy worms to make everyone happy.  Robby and I were pretty excited to try the maple and bacon doughnut-it just tasted like any ole day old doughnut.
• Then it was church time followed by lunch at Nonna's house.  She had sandwiches which is one of my favorite meals-as long as I am not eating it at home (those aren't nearly as fun.)  The kids had time to play before we left for home.
• I don't know what it is about Sunday afternoons but I can hardly stay awake on the way home.  We tried for a few weeks to be productive on Sunday afternoons but I am just not good like that.  Today we hid in the bonus room and slept peacefully for an hour (peacefully is a relative term-I only had to go downstairs twice)  
• Church tonight and poor Robby had to sit by Campbell through not just one but five sermons (a sermonette and 4 charges to folks being ordained)  All things considered she did pretty good but my, oh my, I think we will eventually have to get that child on some meds! (or get us on some meds!)
• After church tonight, we went out to eat with a few folks and filled the restaurant.  I guess that was easy to do since there were 38 folks in our group.  And let me mention my kiddos, couldn't be prouder of them, they stayed in their seats and pretty much ate their food-or maybe just drank coke and ate ice cream.  But either way, it was nice to get to visit with grown ups while out to eat.  
• Once at home, we rushed everyone into pajamas, brushed teeth and then took our pictures tonight while they were in their beds since this might just be their last night in the bunk beds (we might take them apart tomorrow-we will see!)

August 29, 2015

Pancake Breakfast!

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• At 6:50, I heard Keaton coughing on the monitor and then Graham asking her if she was okay.  I then heard nothing else and went back to sleep as I was thinking how sweet her big brother was to check on his little sister.  I didn't know it but Graham soon woke up and headed to play on his kindle.  
• It was well after 7 when we finally woke up again and it would have been a wonderful Saturday to lay in bed but nope, not today.  We woke everyone up and headed to support Brett's basketball team.  They had a pancake breakfast to raise money so we went to have breakfast there.  When Brett served Keaton and Graham both a plate of pancakes, Graham said "I will share with her."-My boy thought that he had to share his plate with his sister.
• Next up was a quick run to Grannymom's house to pick up Anderson-we knew he wouldn't want to miss the next activity.  We met the Wilsons at Two Rivers Park and unloaded a trunk load of bikes.  
• I wasn't too sure how well the kids would do on their bikes for a long ride.  I was quite surprised that they did really well.  Now, Campbell was still at Nonna and Pops' house so that did help-she would have given out at mile one and she isn't the best bike rider without training wheels yet.  My goal though is to go back there with her so she can get some practice and will be ready the next time the Wilson's want to go on a long, long, long walk.
• Keaton and Whitman rode in their strollers and Whitman snoozed most of the time.  Keaton did walk for a bit but quickly realized that she couldn't keep up with Shannon (I can't either!)
• I had not been to that Two Rivers park in years and years and was pleasantly surprised.  It was a really nice area and we just did one and a half loops but ended up walking over 5 miles.  Much of the walk was a big circle and we could see the kids pretty much the entire time but they stayed together and would stop and wait on us every once in a while.  Now, towards the end of the ride, they stopped much more frequently to wait on us.  
• Two things I knew for sure at the end of our walk-we should have brought lunch because it was after lunch time when we were finished and we were hungry.  And I realized that my kiddos are all going to need new bikes-Anderson is going to need a bigger one, Graham could step into Anderson's but his bike has been a lemon since we bought it and Reagan also needs a bigger one.  
• After our walk, we went to pick up Campbell from Nonna and Pops.  She had a great time over there and was completely spoiled and I do think that she would have stayed for the rest of the day or possibly another night.  On the ride home, Keaton said that it was her turn to spend the night at Nonna's house and then asked me if she could pack her bag when we got home.  I told her that Nonna would need a few days to recover.
• Speaking of recovering, I needed a nap to recover from our walk but there were no naps to be had today.  Robby made a late lunch for us while I worked upstairs.  Then he took some pictures of the bunk beds while the kids and I cleaned the kitchen.  After putting the beds on facebook, the quickly sold so now to take them apart and get them picked up.  The kids are thrilled that they are going to get to sleep on their mattresses on the floor for the next few days (or weeks!)
• Around 5, Robby lost his mind and decided to take everyone to the pool.  I stayed home and completed the boys new closet, did laundry and stayed busy the entire time that they were gone. They had a fun time at the pool and felt pretty lucky to have the entire pool to themselves-7 kids (Brett came along) and 3 life guards-pretty good ratio.  
• Once at home, everyone had showers, a little drink and then to bed!  I know they are exhausted after riding their bikes for 5 miles and swimming for a few hours.

August 28, 2015

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• At 5:15, Campbell came downstairs and said "I had a dream about Reagan murdering Anderson."  I guess I am more awake in the middle of the night than I am that early in the morning because instead of talking about her scary dream, I just said "crawl in my bed."  "Murdering" is a pretty strong word for my 5 year old to use.  It is not a word that we use a lot around here so I was pretty surprised to hear that come out of her mouth but that is Campbell-you never know what to expect.
• Campbell laid down with us for about 2 minutes and then asked for me to make her a pallet.  Around this time, Robby took his ipad to go and read the news in the bathroom and when he returned, the pallet was empty and Campbell was in his spot so he spent the rest of the early morning on the floor.
• We had our breakfast and did a bit of school work before leaving to go and see Beebee.  She was in the shower when we arrived so we had to wait a bit.  But as soon as she was done, the first word out of Whitman's mouth was "candy?"  He was talking to me so I said "ask Beebee" and he looked right at her and said "candy?"  He then ate piece after piece of candy until it was time for us to go.
• When it was time to go, I told everyone to hug Beebee.  My Campbell did not so as we walked down the hall, I told her that she would not swim today because she did not give Beebee a hug.  This did not set too well so she ran back down to Beebee's room and gave her the biggest hug ever.  
• Then we drove to the other side of the state to meet our friends and swim at their house.  The kids were all hungry when we arrived so we had our lunch and then the kids swam for quite a while.  Keaton was mad at me pretty much the entire time because I wouldn't get into the ice cold water so she could swim to me-I was setting on the edge watching her.  But turns out she could touch in the shallow.
• After our swimming, we dropped Anderson off at Grannymom's house and then dropped Campbell off at Nonna's house.  If we just had four more sets of grandparents than we could have an empty house.  But my four this afternoon were pretty much like having an empty house-Whitman watched his Thomas, Keaton played dolls, Reagan and Anderson watched a movie.  
• Then we went to eat BBQ and then did some grocery shopping.  It was a round of speed grocery shopping because Whitman was with us-he just seems to be so loud when we are shopping, it is a happy loud but it is still loud!  
• After we had finished our shopping, we went to Kum and Go.  Months ago we went to a Kum and Go and bought milkshakes but Reagan wasn't there.  So we promised her that we would take her some night so she could get a shake.  Well, tonight was the night and that girl didn't even get a shake but got an icee.
• Then we ran to the Wilsons' house after unloading our groceries.  The plan had been to walk but we just visited a bit instead before coming home to finish unloading all of those groceries.  The kids quickly found a bed to sleep in (2 empty beds tonight meant that everyone switched beds) and then they were all sound asleep!

August 27, 2015

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• I hit the snooze button a few times too many this morning and wasn't able to walk on the treadmill.  Robby climbed out of bed a bit before 7 and was upset at me for not getting on the treadmill.  Upset, might not be the right word but he was put out that since I wasn't on the treadmill then he would have to take his turn!  
• Everyone trickled down the steps this morning and after breakfast, Keaton headed to school.  Graham has really, really been wanting to take Keaton to school with Robby and Whitman on a Thursday morning.  Everyone else said that they wanted to go as well so we had to draw names-and guess which name was drawn last-poor Graham!  He didn't seem to care to much but Anderson knew he really wanted to go, so Anderson, who was drawn to be 3rd, offered to switch with G.  
• Campbell was the one who went to drop off Keaton today and she even took some of her school work for the ride-this cracks me up since she can get her school work done in less than an hour.  School went well and then everyone was thrilled to be able to make their own English muffin pizzas for lunch.
• Grannymom and Grandpa came over for some electrical, carpentry, and painting work.  Grannymom ended up helping us sort a zillion legos-the sorting was mostly finished this afternoon but we continued finding those silly legos for the rest of the day.
• Most of the late afternoon was spent working on the toy room.  We are nearing the day when the kids will be split up into a boy and girl room.  The toy room closet is now emptied, things are off the walls and I have been moving things to the attic so we can touch up the paint.  We even moved a dresser from the bedroom into the toy room closet for the boys and of course, like all of our home improvement projects, we didn't take a before picture!
• We ate our supper and then watched a bit of a Little House on the Prairie-that silly show was just getting good when it was time for us to leave!  We were just headed down the road so I guess we could have watched it for another minute-or maybe we should have finished it tonight after the kids showers!
• Missing my treadmill time ended up being okay since the Wilsons called and we walked with them before rushing our kids home for showers and then bedtime.  I had laid out the kids school work for tomorrow (just a bit since it is a busy day) and they could hardly leave the table tonight because they were trying to do it now-maybe we should start doing school at night time!

August 26, 2015

Winning!

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• We don't have too many Wednesdays left where we can spend most of the day in our pjs.  Bible study will be starting soon and even though I am excited about it, I am also dreading it!  It just makes for such a long day on Wednesdays but today wasn't that day, so we woke up early and pressed on with school. 
• For some reason, everything last night that we had discussed about school today was completely ignored.  Campbell finished her work quickly and then proceeded to set up a water bottle stand and Thomas the Train bookstore in the kitchen.  Needless to say that this caused quite a distraction.
• Anderson finished his work today a little after 11 and raised his hands in the air and shouted "a new record."  I guess that he should have been proud-he put his head down and got to work which was wonderful...especially since Graham took Anderson's spot and had to work on his school work during movie time.  Goodness gracious these people are going to cause me to loose my mind-I can not imagine being a teacher and having a classroom full.
• At 11:30, I had everyone stop what they were doing so we could pick up, get ready and then do our chores before Nonna came over.  She was bringing us lunch and the kids were as excited about pulling stuff out of their lunch bags as they are about pulling items out of their Christmas stockings.
• After lunch, Nonna stayed for a bit and once she left, the rest of us started on our together work while Whitman napped.  The kids colored while I read.  One of the stories I read to the kids was Hansel and Gretel.  I had a story book of it growing up and used to love the book so I checked the original version out from the library.  The boys were enthralled with it and asked me to read page after page-it is a bit on the creepy side (step-mother leaving kids in the forest twice, witch caging kids and trying to fatten them up so she could eat them, witch being pushed into the oven and burned alive.)  
• This afternoon was spent with snacks, another water bottle store ran by Keaton and Campbell, a few movies and then supper before church tonight.  The kids Wednesday night is back in session so everyone was happy to start that routine again.  Robby and I have our same old job of puppets so the evening seemed to fly by.
• Back at home, the kids compared teachers while eating a snack and then it was bedtime for everyone.  You never know what will happen at night time-last night Reagan came into our bedroom while we were reading before bed.  She sat on the edge of the bed and mumbled something about reading a notebook.  That child never leaves the room except to come and get us for someone else but she must not have been completely awake last night.  This morning she remembered it but tried to say that the clock was wrong and she thought it was wake up time (the clock was not wrong).  I must have a sleep walker!

August 25, 2015

Homemade Pizza Night!

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• I had to wake everyone up this morning.  Oh, I wished that they could have slept a bit longer but the cinnamon toast was coming out of the oven so it was time to wake up.  Keaton got herself ready and could not wait to go to school and again, Graham started working on his work as soon as he could.
• This worked out really well for Graham because he was finished with school probably before 10 this morning.  Now on the other side of the spectrum was Anderson.  I try to walk around and check on everyone's progress between working with each kid and every time I would check on Anderson, I would end up saying something like this "it has been 45 minutes and you did 8 math problems?" (He understands everything but is so distracted)  Guess when Anderson finished his school work-during movie time this afternoon!  Amazing, how quickly he finished his work then.
• We stopped school early this morning so we could have time to work together and do our science.  Then after chores and lunch it was time to take Whitman to the doctor.  It seems that he has something like what the boys had.  We were given the same medicine that the boys were given and my Whitman was so excited because he wanted to take medicine each time the boys were given some!
• And speaking of the doctor's appointment-the appointment was at 1:40 and we were walking out the door before 2.  Love those after lunch appointments.  Then we went to Grannymom's house to pick up Keaton and since the day was nice, we ended up playing a game of kickball and having a popsicle before heading home.
• Once at home, the kids started on their movies and I started on getting a few things accomplished.  When Robby came home, we started on our supper-homemade pizza.  The kids have gotten better at making their pizzas (less mess) and everyone enjoyed their pizza but mine was still the hit (cinnamon strudel)  
• After supper, the kids watched some tv, played the wii and played some until it was bedtime.  We let them stay up a bit later than usual but that was probably good because everyone went to bed without a bit fuss.  Whitman was delighted that he was able to see 6 or so deer before going to bed-it made his bedtime routine complete!

August 24, 2015

Taking over the life guard duties!

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• Monday morning and I was the first one up this morning.  Every second I get up before everyone else is almost like gold.  I did eat the last bit of my raisin bran cereal this morning which made me a bit sad-no need to worry, there is a grocery store run in the future since I have taken to this eating breakfast routine.
• Graham started on his school work before breakfast this morning which was fine except once he had finished with his school, then there was just trouble for him to cause.  My Anderson does his school work in spurts-fools around for 45 minutes and then works really hard for 10 minutes over and over again.  Makes me insane!  I told Robby tonight that I think I am going to get rid of the boys desk chairs-that way they will have to work in another quiet room.
• School did go fairly well and we had our lunch while reading a few stories.  Then we picked up the house which took a few minutes (about 30) but it was much needed.  After that we worked on our history and memory work.  We ran out of time to do our history and science independent reading today but that was fine.
• The reason we ran out of time was because I was going to make sure that the kids had movie time-not to be nice but because Campbell had been told that she lost her movie time for the day so I had to make sure that there was movie time to miss!  My Campbell was none to happy about this but hopefully she learned her lesson (I can guarantee that she did not!)
• After one tv show, we loaded up and headed to the pool for the 33rd time this summer-not that I am keeping count or anything.  The kids played with the Kamps even though the water was practically ice cold.  After a bit of swimming and a pizza for supper we headed home for showers and then bedtime!
• Tonight at bedtime we were discussing the day and Robby was going over a few things to improve on tomorrow.  I added that no one could watch anything on the computer after they had finished with school.  This comment was directed towards Campbell and she piped in that Whitman does.  Robby added that he does and he can because he is two.  Campbell then shot back that she wished she was one to which Robby replied that she will never ever be one. Campbell thought for a second and then proudly proclaimed "well, the Bible says to be born again!"

August 23, 2015

Ice Cream Truck Night!

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• Getting ready for church this morning was a piece of cake.  I did feel a bit sorry for Shelley having to make sure my three girls and Lilli looked presentable for church.  Doing hair is what usually takes us so long on Sundays (and all I can really do with hair is three different things-ponytail, down or some of it pulled back).  If you will remember I had to do Reagan's hair last week in the church parking lot.
• Back to today, we were ready so early that we decided to get doughnuts on the way to church (and we were out of doughnuts here) and then once we made it to church, we just sat in the car and ate for a few minutes before going in and seeing the grands.
• The boys made the rounds collecting candy and then I dropped Whitman off at his class and this was the easier Sunday morning drop off in months so that was wonderful.  Our class was up by one so that was good and my 3rd grade class went smoothly.
• Grannymom had Mexican for lunch today and after a bit Dana headed to pick up my girls and we went home.  The boys watched a few shows while Robby, Whitman and I took a nap.  I should have been folding clothes-some are in the dryer and there was a full load to start-but I decided there was no reason to be an overachiever plus I knew the girls would be bringing home laundry to add to the pile.  I am so glad that some days my kids (and I) just wear our pjs all day long-sure helps with the laundry.
• Back to church tonight and again we were there a bit early but I would take having to scurry around with all my kiddos over being early anytime.  Soon the girls showed up and started telling us all about their trip.  They had a wonderful time and were pretty happy to see their brothers and us (hopefully).
• Whitman and Keaton went to class happily and when we picked them up, she said "that wasn't that long."  The kids even had a few minutes to play in the game room before we headed home.  I made sandwiches for those who wanted them and then Robby passed out our Sunday ice cream.  
• Whitman continued shouting that he wanted a "boy one" over and over again.  It took Robby at least 10 minutes to figure out what a "boy one" was-red freezie pop.  After that was figured out, everyone was happy and all of babies were under one room-and I was happy as well!

August 22, 2015

Celebrating Cash's 9th Birthday!

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• Even though the boys and Noah stayed up until after 11 last night they were still awake at 7 this morning.  I couldn't tell what they were doing until Anderson came in asking for Robby's ipad so they could all have a device to play on.
• We eventually got out of bed ourselves and fed those boys-powdered doughnuts (all of our stash for tomorrow).  I had planned on giving them orange juice but when I opened the fridge we had a tiny bit left.  I then kidded Robby about drinking the juice and he reminded me that we have had it for a week and he wondered what I had not been giving it to the kids.  I replied that I was saving it for something special-me!  Juice is a big treat at our house-we prefer to give the kids cokes instead (kidding!-I really mean diet cokes!)
• The boys had a nerf gun war (closely monitored by me so no one could have a chance to get upset) and then they went upstairs to play the wii as Robby finished his treadmill time.  Meanwhile I pulled out Reagan's school for the month-this week I am going to try giving her all of her weeks work at one time.  We will see if she picks the easy and saves the hard for last or if she works ahead and finished early.
• Our first even of the day was Cash's 9th birthday party.  It was a fishing party for the boys were able to fish some.  Fishing has never been our forte around here but the boys really seemed to enjoy it.  Pretty much all of the boys caught a fish today and along with playing on the playground they had a great time.
• The rain held off and we were able to go to the pool for a little bit before taking Noah home.  The boys played football for most of their time in the pool and Whitman just did his own thing.  He is pretty content at the swimming pool for at least an hour and today he was the last one out of the pool and wasn't really ready to leave.
• After dropping Noah off, we came home and the boys showered and then Whitman and Robby napped.  I did a few things as the boys watched tv and then I watched the storm rolling through. 
• Next up was supper and then the Wilsons went walking so we joined them.  Their kids had a lemonade stand so we emptied Robby's car with pennys so the kids could buy a cup of lemonade-good thing we didn't have all of the kids with us or they all couldn't have had a drink.
• The girls are still having a great time in Mississippi-they started off the morning with a swim, toured the Memphis zoo and then had another swim this afternoon.  I am afraid that my girls are not going to want to come home!

August 21, 2015

Celebrating Todd's 41st Birthday!

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• Today was a big day for my people and they were noisy before 7.  Whitman was even able to feel the energy and was talking as I was quietly making muffins in the kitchen.  Why was I so quiet if everyone was still awake, you ask.  Well, even though I know my kids need to learn how to cook, I didn't feel the need for a lesson to begin before 7.  I would actually prefer not to speak to anyone before 7.
• We ate and then started on school this morning.  Since it is Friday, the kids had a bit less work to do with me so I was finished with school by 11!  And with my free time, I helped the little girls make 2 paper plate crafts and most everyone did a bit of finger painting.
• Painting is something that everyone enjoys and Whitman does too but he especially enjoys the clean up process.  He pushes the chair to the sink and then washes his hands and then his hair.  Yep, the child bends down and puts his hair under the faucet which of course gets all of his clothes wet.  (Probably since I don't change those clothes off of him is why he now has a yucky nose!)
• We had lunch and then started on chores.  I gave the kids the choice of helping me with chores today or just sitting at the bar with their heads laid down.  Seriously, I only wanted them to help if they wanted to.  The original count was 6 people choosing to sit at the bar and I told them that was fine but it would take me a while to do everything.  After about 10 minutes of me working everyone soon joined me and the house was quickly picked up (sort of!)  
• When we were getting ready to leave, I said out loud that I had finished everything except the laundry and Reagan said "I don't think Noah will mind if you have laundry out."  I told her that I was not doing the laundry in preparation for Noah to come and spend the night.  I just needed to fold the clothes!
• After lunch, I had to set the timer to count down until it was time to leave.  Campbell and Keaton asked me about 20 times and then just continued to walk around the kitchen holding their stuff looking at the timer until it was time to leave...they were Mississippi bound.
• I believe that it might be easier to list my stops this afternoon/evening:
• Grannymom's house-to drop of Whitman for the night (kid count:5)
• Noah's house-to pick him up for the night (kid count: 6)
• Denny's restaurant-to pick up Lilli (kid count: 7)
• Acxiom-to pick up Robby
• McDonald's (Brinkley)-to drop girls off with Shelley for a fun filled weekend with the Mississippi Dennies (kid count: 3)
• Acxiom-to pick up Robby's car
• Church-to drop off my car
• McGuire's house-to eat supper and celebrate Todd's 41st birthday
• The afternoon and evening went quickly but we all enjoyed Amber's meal and I even left with the recipe to add to our supper list.  The kids played outside and then all gathered around an ipad until it was time for us to go.
• Once at home the boys took showers and are now quietly sitting in the living room-I guess I must get up and put them in bed!

August 20, 2015

Happy Birthday "Evelyn"

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• We had waffles and pancakes this morning and for some reason all of my people wanted pancakes.  This was fine until I ran out of pancakes so I only had to offer up waffles.  And to add further anguish to everyone, my waffles did not have chocolate chips in them like the pancakes.  I did pull out a bag of chocolate chips so I could make my people happy.
• Robby took Keaton to school this morning and Whitman rode with him which allowed us a few minutes of quiet-er time here.  School went pretty well today and because of this little qiuet start, Reagan and Graham were finished around 11.  Anderson took a bit more time to do his work-he so easily gets distracted by anything and everything.  
• Now, Campbell goes in and gets her school work done pretty well.  The majority of her work is done with me and today Reagan sat with her and did some which was wonderful.  After Campbell finished, she went upstairs to play with Whitman.  Usually Keaton is the one entertaining Whitman during school so Campbell took over that roll today.  But by the end of the day, Campbell was ready for her Keaton to get home.
• We had leftovers for lunch and then did a bit of reading about Christopher Columbus.  After that the kids watched movies while Whitman napped.  Around 4:30, Nonna and Pops brought Keaton home.  She had spent the day over there and had a great time playing with Nonna.
• Now, my sweet, precious Keaton is usually the kindest thing ever but lately she has turned over a mean streak.  So this afternoon when she was fussing about something, Reagan said "why is she like this?"  I then reminded her that Campbell was like that during school time and then encouraged her that Keaton will only act like this for the next 2 years while she is in school.
• Robby went to church to help work tonight and the rest of us went upstairs for a birthday party.  Reagan's American Girl doll had her birthday party-there was a dance competition, the Hokey Pokey, London Bridges, Duck, Duck, Goose, presents and even cupcakes with a candle.  That doll had a pretty big party for a piece of plastic!  
• When the party was over, we had supper and then cleaned up before going out back to eat cake that Nonna had brought over.  I had decided that there is no reason for us to eat messy things inside when we can just as easily eat outside!
• Then it was bedtime...but my kids were rescued by the doorbell.  Shannon and Brett came over to drop off some recipes for my new meal planning venture!

August 19, 2015

Field Trip to Pops' office!

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• We were up early this morning becuase this was a big day around here.  The kids were quick to get ready and this was a pop tart morning while I finished getting things ready.  I am not really sure who planned our day at 9 but goodness that was early for us to get across town (actually, that was me that planned it at 9!)
• Robby left first and picked up lunch for us and then saved a parking spot for us while he waited on us.  After our breakfast, we loaded up and picked up the Kamps and then lucked into a parking spot by Robby.  He was able to give his spot to Candice and Pops walked up at about the same time.
• Once inside the capitol, the Skinners were there and the Stotts and Powells arrived soon.  Pops walked us to the Treasurer's Office and we learned all about it.  There were 19 kids (7 adults) and thankfully, Pops said that we were not any more noisy than most.
• The most interesting facts that all of my people remembered from the day is that the vault door in the Treasurer's Office was brought into the building on train tracks since it was so heave and the bronze front doors of the capital are polished for 3 hours a day.  
• We took turns going into the vault and when they entered the kids were handed a stack of money-some were $100,000.  My kids were impressed with all of that money but they really have no idea how much they were actually holding.  
• After our tour, we went downstairs and then took a tour of the capitol building.  We stopped in the rotunda, Governor's Conference room, Supreme Court and House of Representatives.  Then it was time to head back home-thankfully we made it to our car before it started to rain.
• But it was still raining-or really pouring-when we all ran into Rock Creek to play for a bit.  I dropped the kids off and they didn't get too wet but my pants were soaked up to my knees!  The kids enjoyed playing after their lunch and the adults enjoyed talking but we will have to bring our ear plugs next time since our crew was noisy!
• I decided to treat the kids with slushies from Sonic on the way home.  I checked to make sure that they were on sale today and the lady said yes.  So as I prepared to recite my order, I said that I had 6 and she said that the limit was 4.  Okay, then I started to rattle off my orders "sour blue raspberry with nerds" and she stopped me saying that the candy add ins were not included.  (I had assumed she would just charge me more but she didn't give me that option) Okay, so I tried again with "sour blue raspberry, 2 sour apples" and she stopped me saying that they were out of "sour."  Okay, I finally was able to order correctly and we then recieved our order-we had to do a bit of swapping but everyone ended up happy with their "orders."  
• Once at home, the kids did one school box, played with their perler beads, followed me around the house, had a bit of cereal and then picked up before supper.  Robby made hamburgers and everyone at while I snuck out of the house to go to church to register the kids for Wednesday nights.
• When I made it home, the kids were watching a movie and Robby left to go and walk with the Wilsons for a bit.  When he came home the kids were in bed and everyone pretty much crashed!

August 18, 2015

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• Today was Keaton's first day at preschool and she was more than a little bit excited.  I do believe that she was grinning from ear to ear as her and Robby drove off to school.  It did make dropping her off pretty easy since we have known her teacher all of our lives.  
• With Keaton gone today our day seemed a bit different.  School was calmer and that could have been by chance or it could just be because one person was gone.  But I did notice the difference of having Keaton gone when it was time to pick up (she seems to still pull out everything-including her baby dolls, diaper bags and stroller).
• Reagan was the last one to finish her school work today and actually she didn't even finish.  That girl worked in everyone room of this house and at each place she seemed to leave some of her school work behind.  I found her last bit of work left in the bonus room.  She has been wanting for me to give her a weeks worth of work at a time so she can pick and choose what she wants to do each day but I can't imagine her leaving that all through the house.
• There was at least one chess game happening today-a few weeks ago I had seen their chess set and thought that they never play.  But after leaving the chess board out for the past few days, it has gotten lots of play time...but then I put it up tonight.  I just can not stand clutter.
• This afternoon we did some work together and then the kids watched a Huckleberry Fin Redbox movie.  They were really interested in it and while they were transifixed, I worked my tail off.  I am trying to get ready for the big room swtich-I am so overwhelmed just thinking about it so I am taking baby steps (moved a bookshelf today, found some garage sale stuff)  I will get there eventually.
• When Keaton and Robby came home the potatoes were still cooking.  When they were finally baked, we ate our supper.  My big 3 really liked baked potatoes but my little 3, not so much.  I figured that they had enough cheese on top to make a meal.  Keaton and Campbell passed out jello for dessert (which was such a mess on the floor!)
• We played Fibber and Spot It tonight before bed-nothing like getting the kids all wild and crazy before sending them to bed!

August 17, 2015

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• Monday mornings are always the hardest around here but today was a tiny bit better than the last few Mondays.  School went surprisingly well with the boys finishing school in time to play a game of chess before lunch.  Reagan still had some math to do after lunch but all in all that is still pretty fine with me.  
• Right before lunch, Keaton and I made some jello together.  As she was stirring it, she said "God likes jello."  I did not know that but we have 6 bowls of it in the fridge now with plans to eat them for supper tomorrow.
• During lunch we finally finished our first Rush Revere book and my Graham is anxious for us to start reading the next book in the series.  The afnteroon seemed to go by fairly quickly but that was probably because I gave everyone some extra time to play before we started our chores.
• After chore time, we did some history and science and then tried out what I had been the most excited to start during school-20 minutes of independent reading while reading a history or science book.  This went over fairly well and it might just work-only if it happens after Whitman is in bed and it will work especially well on the days when Keaton is at school.  
• Speaking of school, Keaton can not wait to start to school tomorrow and she has even laid out her clothes for tomorrow.  It does make me a bit sad my sweet Keaton going to school-we will not get her back for about 2 years but I know that she is going to have a great time and just like Campbell did last year, she is already asking me when she is going to take snack.
• After our reading the kids had a bit of time to relax and then it was time to suit up and head to the pool.  The Kamps were there so my crew was delighted and I was delighted to see Robby bringing us supper (pizza).  The kids swam for about 3 hours and then we headed home.
• Once at home, we passed out antibiotics-Campbell's last time.  Anderson and Graham still have quite a few more days and it will seem like forever because Graham takes forever to take his.  Robby also cut Graham's hair before he showered.  By the time everyone had showered, had a drink, brushed their teeth, the cars were emptied, bathrooms straightened, dishes emptied and laundry started, we were pretty tired!  

August 16, 2015

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• Campbell ended up in our bed around 2 last night.  I guess she wasn't too pleased with how little I had scooted over for her so a few minutes later, she asked for me to make her a pallet on the floor.  When our alarms started dinging, she did climb back in bed with us and we talked about all of the new Sunday school classes.  That is when she said my favorite thing of the day "Last year, I really wanted to go to big church but I just didn't know how boring it was going to be."  
• We had our breakfast and Robby turned on the news for the kid to watch while they were eating.  No better way to show the kids how much the world needs Jesus than by watching the news-goodness gracious!  No one really paid any attention except Reagan who sat at the breakfast table for quite awhile-which was probably the reason that we had to do her hair this morning standing in the church parking lot.
• Everyone went to their classes well this morning-even Whitman who didn't really even fuss.  My class was quite different than last year-we only had 5 as compared to our average of 12 or more last year.
• After Sunday school we headed over to Nonna's for a big Sunday lunch.  The kids enjoyed seeing Graham's tent that he had made last night when he spent the night over there and then Jason had a plethora of Snoopys and Woodstocks that he was cleaning out from his house to give to the kiddos.  I do believe that at least 4 Dennies are sleeping with a Snoopy tonight.  
• This afternoon we did nothing and it was blissful-I am always amazed that I can ignore the ever growing pile of clean laundry in my bedroom floor on Saturdays and Sundays but come 7:15 tomorrow morning, it will drive my crazy!
• Church picnic tonight and my kiddos had the best time ever.  Keaton and Campbell took great care of Whitman on all of the jumpies.  Anderson and Graham played kickball and football (at one point my Anderson was playing football with a bunch of teenage girls).  Reagan found Kaleigh and Sara to hang out with and had a good time.  We stayed until they started taking the bouncies down and hauling the trash cans away.  Keaton walked back to us and said "it is closing time."
• Back at home, we showered as quick as we could and then put everyone in bed.  We did have time to cut Anderson's hair (Graham was already in the shower) and give 3 kiddos their medicine.  Third week of school tomorrow and most importantly, I plan to not leave the house!

August 15, 2015

Run with the Son Day!

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• My Reagan was the only Dennie not here for the Run with the Son this morning but I do not think that she minded since she had a blast at Alyssa Kate's house-she did say that Alyssa Kate's dad asked her lots of questions about breakfast "runny egg? fried egg? scrambled egg?" were just some that she named.  
• The rest of us were up before the son (not really) but my kids quickly pulled on their clothes while Robby went about his pre-race routine (you can ask him about it, if you would like.)  The kids had time to grab a nutritious (not) breakfast before we left.
• As we pulled up to the race, the kids saw Jason and all cheered.  Then we saw Nonna and Pops and then Grannymom and Grandpa.  The boys were so excited to have everyone cheering for them.  
• But first we had to cheer for Robby.  We watched the 5k runners (including Robby) pass us by 4 times.  Robby finished with a good time-a bit slower than last year-but much better than I could do.  
• Then it was time for the boys to run.  They were all talk but my people aren't runners and but the did pretty good.  My only word of advice to them was don't stop and don't be last-and they did/were neither so that was very good.  Robby had to run the last lap with the boys, especially Graham, to keep them going.  The mile course includes running up the big hill on the "new road" at church-that hill is probably a killer (I do not know since I have only driven up it!)  Both boys finished in the middle of the pack which was great.  Before the race, Anderson had decided that he wanted to run the 5k next year but after his race, Anderson said that he was just going to cheer everyone on next year.
• And finally it was time for Keaton and Campbell's race.  I walked the girls to the line and then walked away for a second and then saw Anderson talking to Keaton.  When he walked back to me, he said that he was just giving her some "encouraging words."  That race was over really quick and those kids ran their hearts out.  Whitman was even in the mix at the end and Robby tried to get him to run some but he was overwhelmed by the screaming crowd but someone ran and gave him a medal too (I had a spare from Graham's kickball party in my bag just in case Whitman decided that he needed one)
• After the race, Graham went home with Nonna and Pops and we debated going home and starting our yard work and had almost talked ourselves out of it but we went ahead anyway.  Robby put new blades on his mower and mowed some and I raked up tiny limbs and leftover debris in a good bit of the yard.  And man, did that ever make a difference.  My next outside project is mulch for my flower beds. 
• The kids were in and out most of the time that we were outside.  The last bit they had gone in and Keaton came out to see us for a minute.  Robby told her that we were going swimming and asked her to pick up just the cones that they had been playing with-about 10 minutes later we walked to the driveway to find Keaton still picking up and she had almost cleaned up all of the toys that they had brought out.  She must have really understood where we were going because later as everyone else was trying to get out the door, I looked out and she was standing by the red van waiting on us to unlock the door.
• Grannymom met us at the pool and we all took a turn swimming in the ice cold water.  We had picked Reagan up first and she had spent the morning swimming so I do believe that she swam for about 6 hours today and was pretty spent tonight.  Keaton is doing really well on her swimming and continues to impress me-she will still get swimming lessons next year though.
• When we came home tonight, the kids helped clean up the house and then we had burgers and hot dogs for supper.  The kids then wathced some tv while Robby and worked in the kitchen and then they went to bed before 8!  I am sure that they are pretty beat today.

August 14, 2015

Pool time with friends!

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• I was the first one awake this morning and before I could make the muffins, Anderson joined me downstairs and helped make muffins with me.  I made sure that I didn't have any lemon poppyseed muffins this week since I didn't want to hear the wailing and moaning this morning.
• After our breakfast, the kids started on their school but we didn't work for too long before it was time to leave.  Keaton did ask me about a zillion times this morning if it was time to put on her bathing suit.  It didn't matter how I explained to her or what words I used, she still could not understand that it would not be time for bathing suits until after Robby came home from work.
• The first stop of our errands was a stop at the library for the free food truck.  Yep, I wish that I had known about the free lunch program all summer long and I would have tried harder to make it there more often.  Today was a great lunch (thank you taxpayers): pb and j uncrstable sandwiches, carrots, cheese stick, strawberry craisins and chocolate milk.
• Next stop was Beebee's place and since I had forgotten Whitman's cup, he waited patiently to get to Beebee's room so we could get a straw for him to drink out of.  As soon as he saw Beebee, he started saying "need straw!"  Once I sat him down with his milk and straw, he went to town and sucked that carton dry.  The boys did thier part on cleaning out Beebee's candy box today and we were the hit of the dining area-all the old folks enjoyed straring at us while they waited on thier lunch.
• I did realize that before cold and flu season, I must teach Whitman to not kiss people on the lips.  He kissed all over Beebee and then kissed all over Ms. Staley today-hope his cough isn't contagious!
• Then we went to church to pick up the rack packets for tomorrow.  Graham is a bit nervous about the race and Keaton does not remember what is happening tomorrow so she is a bit anxious about it as well.  
• Next stop was Walgreens but the boys medicine was still out so we headed home for a bit.  The kids had to finish their school work-Reagan is still struggling with her long division and Anderson did take a while so we never even got to history today but there will be plenty of time next week!
• Reagan could hardly wait to go to Alyssa Kates this afternoon.  Apparently, they had a big night-grilling out, a walk around the mall and then Le Pops with swimming planned for tomorrow.  I know that she is having a great time but the others had a good time tonight too.
• The Wilsons met us at the pool and the Kamps were there too so my crew had plenty of friends to play with.  Robby made hot dogs and all of the fixings which we devoured.  The kids swam and swam (it was too cold for us to get in tonight and by the end of the evening, my Keaton's lips were turning blue as she shivered!)  
• The pool night ended with the pool showing the movie Big Hero 6 around the pool.  The kids watched some of the movie and then we eventually left because the mosquitos found us.  As we were leaving the pool, another boy walking out looked our way and said "oh, they had a field trip."  
• Tomorrow's field trip will start early in the morning at Run with the Son-I better get into bed!

August 13, 2015-Happy Birthday Nonna!

Celebrating Nonna's Birthday!

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• Everyone slept fairly well last night and there was little coughing (that I heard at least!)  Anderson was the first one up and soon we were eating our breakfast and starting on school.  The kids only had a bit of school to do this morning since we were finishing a day of school that we had only done bits and pieces of this week.
• Campbell was excited that she had a box of pudding to make as part of her school.  Then while we were making it, she said "well this isn't as exciting as I thought it would be...I thought it would take longer."  Well, I guess she will have to move up to something more difficult for her cooking school.  I do need to do better about teaching the kids how to cook-first I must learn myself!
• Grannymom and Grandpa came over around lunch.  We all ate on the patio which was surprisingly lovely.  This weather is pretty wierd but we did enjoy it with a game of kickball.  Grandpa and Robby were busy working on our lemon of a lawn mower while we played.  The kids were absolutely horrible during our game-bad sports, horrible attitudes-I guess they can't be good all of the time....if they could just be good some of the time!  :)
• After the game was over (my team won!) I loaded up my boys and took them to the doctor.  In just a little over 6 months, we have had a heart cath, flu, ear infections, stitches, lice, swimmer's ear and I was anxious to learn what would be added to our list....staph!  The boys both have had a bite like rash on their bum for far too long so hopefully the diagnosis of staph is correct and we can cure it quickly.  
• Back home for a slow afternoon and then lots of leftovers for supper.  As soon as supper was over and the toy room was cleaned, we loaded up to go to the birthday girls house.  We brought ice cream and peach cobbler to Nonna's house and celebrated her birthday with her.  Whitman could not wait to help blow out Nonna's candles for her.
• After a bit of playtime, we loaded up and came home for bedtime-my least favorite time of the day.  Everyone seems to get a bit wild and crazy at bedtime.  Thankfully tonight there was not too much excitement and all of our people are at least quite right now and hopefully sound asleep!