February 29, 2016

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• Instead of waking up on time last night, we slept in as long as we could and it was wonderful-yes, it did make my treadmill time a bit more hectic this afternoon but I think it was well worth it.  The kids were slow to wake up too but we all had breakfast together while we did all of our together work.  
• Then the girls had showers while everyone else started on school work.  Soon Nonna and Pops arrived to take Reagan and Keaton (Campbell's shopping day is tomorrow) shopping for a spring outfit.  They were gone most of the day but came home with some candy, chick fil a drinks and a cute outfit apiece.  
• The rest of us spent the morning doing our school work and then having lunch.  Campbell suggested mac and cheese so her and Anderson went to work on that.  After lunch, we did our chores and then played the card game War with the kids.  On my way upstairs to get to the cards, I noticed that Whitman had demolished some legos and that entire lego area was trashed.  So after the game, we all went up there to work on that for a bit.
• I then started on the treadmill for a bit and then finished after Nonna and Pops dropped off my girls.  I had a few more things to do in the house and then I went to the garage to see if our soccer shoes still fit everyone-5 players this year and we only have to buy one pair of shoes so that is a win for me!  
• Then I kicked everyone out of the house (even Whitman who was not happy about leaving his kindle).  I raked half of a section of the yard by the mailbox and the kids hauled tarps of leaves.  Then we played a soccer game until Robby came home.  He helped remove a large branch from the middle of our field and then we all played until Reagan and Anderson's team made it to the score of 5.
• When we came in, the kids had showers while Robby started on supper.  Things were looking pretty perfect when Keaton got sick...and if you have a weak stomach skip a few lines.  But that child threw up more than I have ever, ever seen anyone throw up.  Oh my goodness, thankfully I had a towel in my hand but had to call for reinforcements because it just kept coming and coming.  
• I reshowered her, laid her down and then she started asking for food and drink and continued to ask for more food and drink all evening long.  I would give her a sip of gatorade or a sip of coke occasionally and finally relented and gave her a few crackers.  She watched a movie laying down and then came in and sat in my lap and talked and danced until bedtime.  She will skip school tomorrow but as of this moment that girls feels perfectly fine and skipped around the house with excitement when she found out that she was going to get to sleep on our bedroom. 
• The others played the xbox and watched a movie or two until bedtime.  It was a pretty restful evening and hopefully our night (especially Keaton's) is calm and also restful.

February 28, 2016

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• Sunday morning and everyone was happy about splitting the last few doughnuts from last night.  It seemed like we hadn't been awake that long when it was time to head to church.  And yes, there was little clothes drama this Sunday morning.  Keaton did want to wear "panty-toes" so that is what I found for her to wear but they were the wrong color and then her sleeves were too long and her dress too brown but I ignored her until she gave up and put on her dress.
• Church was uneventful-the preacher man didn't call out Robby for snoozing during the service.  He wasn't really snoozing-he was just closing his eyes selectively which was whenever the preacher man turned his back to walk to the other side of the stage.  I was sitting too far away to poke him and couldn't figure out how I could reach that far without being too obvious.  We might just need ourselves an energy drink before church next Sunday morning.
• Lunch was at Nonna's house and she had a bit of a Pei Wei recreation.  The kids ate up but they were more interested in the dessert.  Just as dessert was served my Whitman ate a noodle and that along with 2 bites of bread was pretty much his entire meal.  Good thing he filled up on juice and dessert.
• Once at home, the kids played outside for a bit.  Reagan had a little soccer clinic with Campbell and Keaton.  She had them out doing soccer drills in the windy yard.  They worked outside for a long while but when they were finished, Reagan said that she needed to play with some bigger people so she would improve her skills.
• Robby fought Whitman for a good hour this afternoon trying to get him to take a nap. Finally we just snuggled with him on our bed until he fell sound asleep-that poor thing fights sleep so much during nap time but he definitely needed a nap and could have slept for a very long time tonight.
• But we had to wake up and start on our house chores.  We had decided early in the afternoon to skip church tonight so when Tony and Shannon text about pizza tonight we definitely took them up on that.  We finished our chores, Robby made brownies and then we headed over to play.  The kids played upstairs and Reagan watched Layne work on her science fair project.
• We planned our healthy week and then came home to put these kids in bed so we could have a few minutes of down time before going to bed ourselves.  

February 27, 2016

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• Graham came downstairs last night at midnight saying that he couldn't sleep and then again at almost 2 saying that he was hot.  Gracious, we thought that child was never going to get to sleep but he finally did.  And not surprisingly, he was the first one up this morning.  
• Campbell told me that she took off her pajama pants last night because they were making sparks in her bed and Reagan told her that could start a fire.  I laughed and laughed because that is something that I would have done growing up.  When I was a kid, I would make sure that I turned my electric blanket off before I fell asleep so as not to start a fire.  Does that mean that Campbell is just like me?  Oh, my!
• The kids did sleep in a little bit this morning and Robby made cinnamon muffins for breakfast and I tried to pass out some of my apple cake though I didn't have any takers.  And if you notice in the pictures, we did in fact sing Happy Birthday to Whitman and let him blow out a candle-pretty much we will do anything to get him to eat and yes, he is spoiled absolutely rotten.
• We slowly got around this morning and started getting ready.  At one point, I walked through the living room and grabbed my camera to take a picture of Keaton, Campbell and Reagan huddled around a kindle watching a movie.  They chose to watch the tiny kindle instead of one of the other 7 tvs that we have here in this house.  Children!
• But speaking of those children-all of the kindle watching by the smallest Dennie is costing us a an arm and a leg extra each month.  Robby and I talked about ideas to slow down his Little Einsteins consumption but then Robby did remind me that our sanity is worth something and yes, I think that I will gladly pay a dollar a day for what is left of my sanity!
• Today was supposed to be a big day here at the Dennie house-rocket day!  Anderson had received a rocket from Christmas (last Christmas-yes, he has had it over a year and we are just now pulling it out.)  We met Jason at Raymar and got set to shoot off that rocket...and it didn't work.  Robby and Jason worked and worked on it trying to figure out what the problem was.  Once we made it home, Robby did discover that the wire leading to the charge must not be igniting the...whatever it is supposed to ignite.  He used his car charger and was able to cause a spark but was afraid he then would be too close to the rocket if we tried to light it that way so we are now going to try to figure out plan B.  
• No one was too bummed about the rocket not working.  It was almost like a comedy show-we would try to launch it and everyone would stop what they were doing and stand back.  It wouldn't work so the kids would go back to playing and then we would try again.  This happened at least 6 or 7 times.  We had brought a few balls and the kids enjoyed just running around.  It really is so beautiful over there at Raymar-now I may not say that in just a few Saturdays when I am sitting watching 5 different Dennies play soccer.
• We ran into Walmart on the way home and ended up buying 2 more Dennies shoes-this seems to be a Saturday occurrence.  We really rock at this "no spend month" stuff (sarcasm-I do believe that we have spent more this no spend month than we did right before Christmas)  I guess that Whitman's shoes didn't really count though since they were just a dollar and I couldn't pass them up.   
• Once at home, Robby raised the basketball goal and the kids shot some hoops.  I pushed the girls on the swing and made a list of things for us to accomplish outside this summer...the church has postponed their work day (Barnabas project) so maybe all of my faithful blog readers can just come to our house and work instead!  I will have ice cream...if Robby doesn't eat it all tonight!
• For supper we had lasagna and then loaded up for Krispy Kreme.  The boys ate fast because they knew the ballgame was on tv and soon we were back home showing everyone in super speed mode so the boys could watch the ball game.  Whitman had fallen asleep in the car so he missed his shower and ballgame watching.  Now Reagan remembered that she did her school work last Saturday during the ballgame so this Saturday she tried to finish again.  Reagan did comment that she hoped she wasn't sick this Monday and could enjoy her day of already finished school. She was pretty close to finishing but didn't quite make it when it was bedtime. 

February 26, 2016

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• Since we stayed up super late last night, we all slept super late this morning.  It was pretty awesome-though in the back of my mind I knew we all needed to get moving and get our last day of school this week started.  It was after 8:30 when breakfast was dished out and everyone found a spot to start working.
• The kids got right to work and Graham finally caught up from his Monday illness.  Even though he was the only one up in this house at 7:30 this morning and started his school work then, he had no intention of doing any extra today.  I encouraged him to go ahead and finish since he was finished by 9 this morning.
• I have noticed that my girls rarely sit at their desks which is a good thing because my Keaton really wants a desk.  She has set up a little card table in the school room right now and has filled it up with her own school work.  It will not be too long before I have to kick Reagan out of her desk and give it to her sister.  My boys always, always sit at their desks and will often become pretty upset if I ask them to work anywhere else. 
• Lunch was leftovers and then it was time for a few chores.  Soon after that the kids started their afternoon-lots of car racing happened upstairs.  The boys played the xbox and the girls made themselves a little restaurant upstairs.  Reagan even let them move her doll house furniture so they would have room to display their food. Whitman and I dined at their restaurant and after eating our plastic food, we were served water and real brownies.
• Should I be worried that Whitman actually knows the words to his Little Einstein movies?  Last night at the ballgame, he was able to name off instruments like an orchestra conductor (though he wasn't that accurate at labeling them).  And today I have noticed him dancing a few ballet moves.  We might need to find him a new favorite tv show.
• Robby and I were sitting trying to decide where we should go and eat tonight when the girls came down asking if we could make nachos and watch a movie.  Well, that wasn't exactly what we had planned but it was a much cheaper and easier option.  So nachos it was followed by a movie (McFarland USA).  I made cookies for the crew and an apple cake for me-we are out of ice cream and I knew we would need a little snack tonight after the kids went to bed.

February 25, 2016

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• This morning was Reagan's turn to go with Robby and Whitman on their trip to drop Keaton off at school.  Reagan was excited about going but she knew she needed to finish a bit of school work before leaving the house this morning.
• We were able to have a quick breakfast before everyone left and then I quickly cleaned up the kitchen and started working with the boys and Campbell.  I had just started with Campbell when I heard the ding of the garage door open-of course I love that they were home but those few minutes without my Whitman sure are quiet.  
• Keaton had a big day at school-a fireman came and talked to her class.  We asked her all about it at supper time tonight and if you are wondering...she reported that yes, the fireman does wear his clothes under his fireman suit.  They are not naked! 
• After we had finished lunch here, we worked on a few chores and then the kids all went upstairs to work on a major car track in the boys' room.  Reagan was up there too-she had a notebook with her and I guess that she was making a list of some sort about which cars did the best on the massive track.  They have left the track out and I sure hope that no one has to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night because the track circles the room multiple times.
• Nonna and Pops brought Keaton home from school and she had jello for us.  After our spaghetti supper, some folks ate her jello and then it was time to load up and go.  Robby had bought us tickets to the Trojan game.  We first ran to pick up Robby's newly repaired car and dropped it off.
• Then on to the game we went.  We were able to park fairly close-a little over a quarter of a mile away.  We knew we were going to be a minute or two early but we were very early and were even able to watch some of the womens game.  Whitman was pretty squirmy during pretty much the entire game but did settled down occasionally.
• After the womens game we walked around downstairs.  Then it was back up to the nose bleed section to watch the game-actually, we had pretty perfect seats for us.  There wasn't anyone in front of Whitman and Robby and we filled the entire row so we didn't have to climb over anyone else.  The highlight of the game was Anderson getting a tshirt from the tshirt cannon. 
• The Trojans won and my kids were exhausted when we finally went to bed.  And yes, my Anderson was wearing his new tshirt when he went to bed.

February 24, 2016

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• Robby and I were both up before the kids this morning and that did help tremendously.  We were able to knock out our Wednesday morning chores fairly quickly-as I write the words "Wednesday morning chores" I am beginning to wonder why I even think that we can clean the bathrooms, do laundry, empty the trash cans and clean the fridge anytime during our busiest day of the week, much less in the morning! Anyway, we did get it done but I might just have to change my master list.
• Yes, I have a master list that has our usual weekly chores, activities and must do items.  Then each week I add that weeks items to the list and each day, I write down the next days list on my notebook and sometime during the day, I even make another list of what needs to be done on a post it note.  Yep, I have a list making problem but I have embraced it and it works for us.
• When I dropped Whitman off at Bible study off this morning, his teacher mentioned that he was really talking a lot more and she seemed really proud of him.  Just a few hours later, I picked him up from his class and the little teacher had changed her tune.  She asked if anything was going on at home that could cause his behavior.  She said that he had a difficult day.  This theme continues through out the day with my Whitman.
• We then went to Rock Creek to play and the kids did fine.  Sometimes they kids were quiet while they were playing but sometimes they were rowdy.  After we played for a while, we headed to see Beebee.  She kids read their president reports to her and she passed out candy. In front of Beebee, I asked Whitman about what he did during his class today and he just bowed his head and looked at the ground-hopefully he understands that he was naughty.  We left Beebee's place when Elvis arrived for his 2:30 performance.
• Then after spending the morning at Bible study, then to Rock Creek and then to Benton to see Beebee we drove home.  I was so excited on on our way home because Whitman had fallen asleep and I was going to be able to get him into the house and put him in bed and sit down for a few minutes myself.  But when we had just pulled into the drive way, Robby called to ask if we would pick him up after he dropped off his car at the repair shop.  So we ran in to potty and to grab a few drinks for the road and then we headed back to West Little Rock.  After Robby dropped off his car, he rode with us and I tried to move my still sleeping Whitman back into the house but by this time, his nap had been too long and he was wide awake!
• We had our supper and then headed to church tonight.  I was a worker in Campbell's class tonight and it was neat to see her with her buddies.  Robby was in games so he was able to see Keaton and Campbell as they came through.  And on the other side of the building, the three big kids were marking of this month's verse.
• But just down the hall, Whitman was in his class.  When Robby picked him up, his teacher said that he got in trouble and Whitman told his teacher that he was going to tell on her.  She was quick to tell him that she was going to tell first and that she did.  When I was changing that boys clothes tonight, I asked him if he went to his class tonight and he put his hands over his face and said "trouble."  I am sure that he meant that he got into trouble but the truth of the matter is that he is trouble!

February 23, 2016

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• We all slept splendidly last night.  It was so wonderful to hear that alarm clock go off at 6:30 this morning because that meant we had slept all night long.  After hearing that alarm clock, I just rolled over and refused to get out of bed until way too late.  But I tell you, we can climb out of bed, dress Keaton for school, make breakfast for 6 people and Robby can drop Keaton off at school in around 30 minutes.
• School was fine today.  Since my Graham and Campbell were ill yesterday, what they did not finish of their school just piled up for today's work.  I tried my hardest to explain to Graham to do all of today's work but do a few things from yesterday.  He did this-but he only picked the easy, easy things to do.  We finally settled on him doing a bit tomorrow to help him catch up.  
• Now, Campbell who has the attention span of a gnat managed to finish all of her school from yesterday despite all of today's distractions.  My Whitman did pretty well today-I found him a ramp for his cars and enjoyed playing with that...unfortunately, so did Anderson and Graham.  I would occasionally find them playing cars with their brother.  That is kind of a good thing but then again our goal during the mornings is to finish school.
• We had our lunch and then spent a few minutes picking up this place.  The kids then had a bit of downtime on their kindles.  In the very same room, I hammered in 4 nails into a drawer and my silly boys never noticed or asked what I was doing! The girls did look up long enough to see and then come help me.
• Right before 2, we loaded up and went to Grannymom's house.  Anderson and Campbell had their yearly check ups.  They passed-though they were slightly reprimanded about not wearing their bicycle helmets and were both told to try more veggies.  Everything was all good so then we went back to pick up the others and to receive a pizza from the delivery man.
• I wasn't home too long when it was time for me to leave again to meet my Bible study group for dinner out.  We ate at Tazikis and I even made it home before the kids went to bed.  They had eaten their pizzas and even had showers tonight.  Everyone but Reagan had watched the basketball game (she isn't that much into basketball-or maybe she just liked being contrary!)  
• When I came home, it was bedtime so I helped put everyone in bed and then started on today's blog!

February 22, 2016

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• Mondays are always pretty crazy here but around midnight last night, I knew that my normal crazy Monday would not go as I had planned it.  We were still on the couch when we heard foot steps and then someone getting sick upstairs.  It was Graham.  When he was finished, we cleaned him up, cleaned up the carpet (yikes!) and then bedded him down in our room. 
• Robby and I climbed into bed as soon as we could after that knowing that getting much sleep didn't look too promising.  We slept until about 2 when Reagan walked into the room.  I stopped her from tripping over Graham by saying "there's Graham, he got sick" to which my calm daughter replied "I did too in the bathroom and Keaton wet the bed." 
• She is the one who has always taken being sick in stride but I sure felt bad for her-she had finished today's school on Saturday night and was so excited about not having to do school today.  But this was kind of a no fun sick day for her.
• We took care of Reagan and Keaton and tried to sleep again.  Reagan and Graham were in our room now and they took turns getting sick until about 5 when we all did go to sleep again.  I was laying on the couch with Whitman this morning, when I heard someone in the kitchen and it didn't sound pretty...so Campbell then had to join the sick room with Reagan and Graham.
• I let Keaton and Anderson sleep as long as they could and took the opportunity to work on some laundry.  
• Each week the kids have a notebook and one of their little assignments is to write down one thing that they are thankful for.  My entry for today would go like this: "February 22, 2016-I am thankful for two washing machines."  I even used my bum dryer upstairs a few times and it worked fairly well drying the clothes.  In all, we did about 3 zillion loads of clothes, towels and blankets.  Currently my sheets are in the dryer (I didn't want their germs on my sheets tonight) and towels are washing upstairs and I have a whole load of blankets to wash but thought I might wait just a bit before doing that. 
• The morning was a little rocky for the sick crew but by 10:30, they had all had showers and were continually asking for something to drink.  We kept pouring them tiny sips of water and coke (we didn't have sprite and only had red gatorade which I didn't want to see later on my carpet).  Poor Campbell was in the shower and they had to come and get my because she was crying-her stomach hurt.  I calmed her down and got her settled back into my bed.  Robby said that Graham took his shower so hot that he had to get out quick and head to the bathroom.  
• Right before 11, I got myself out of this house after lysolling myself down.  I had a quick meeting at church while Robby held down the fort.  The plan had originally been for me to take everyone with me but that wouldn't work today so he was able to work from home.  
• When I came home, Robby was passing out a second round of cheese toast.  The well kids were hungry and the sick kids were starving.  The remainder of the afternoon was a bit odd-the sick three, who we kept contained in our bedroom, watched tv and played their kindles until they were bored silly.  And the well three didn't really know what to do without their buddies all afternoon long.  
• My Anderson had finished his school work this morning and I was able to help Campbell and Graham do some of theirs.  I have tried my best to explain that tomorrow they will need to do a bit extra so they can catch up.  We will see if that happens.
• By supper, everyone was feeling well enough to have some jambalaya and biscuits.  After cleaning up the kitchen, Robby took Whitman to the store to pick up a few supplies (no, not for the sick people but ice cream for the care takers).  While he was gone, Graham played the xbox (we had finally let them out of our bedroom) and the others played Clue with me.  We even had cookies and I worked on the laundry during a few breaks.  
• When Whitman and Robby came home, we started putting everyone in bed.  Everyone seems to feel well so we shall see...
• Overall, today was nothing like the stomach bug of 2014 when we had 4 people sick all at once (if you want to read those details, click here) (at least I hope it will not be since that bug lasted for about 4 weeks in this house.)  Hopefully, we will all sleep well tonight and no one else will get sick around here.

February 21, 2016-Happy Birthday Grannymom!

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• My people spent most of this day fussing over their clothes.  Yesterday, Keaton picked out her Sunday clothes and received a thumbs up from me.  Minutes later she came downstairs with jeans and a tshirt.  I ignored this choice and hoped she would forget about it-she did not.  This morning as the boys were complaining about their Sunday clothes (just jeans and a Sunday shirt), Keaton began to put on her second selection. I told her to change and this sent her into hysterics. 
• A good breakfast helped calm everyone down.  Robby had made up some leftover sausage or egg biscuits from yesterday's breakfast.  The kids gobbled them down and soon it was time to load up and head to church.
• Whitman did great holding my hand on the walk into church and only ran from me in the sanctuary one time so I will consider that a win for us all.  Everyone enjoyed their classes and the three little ones all spent some time on the playground this morning.
• Lunch was at Dana's house to celebrate Grannymom's birthday.  Dana had made mexican lasagna and it was delicious.  The kids ate outside and this helped our meal to be peaceful and quiet.  Grannymom opened up her presents and the kids then spent the rest of our time there outside playing.
• The rest of the afternoon was spent at home.  Everyone watched a few movies and then it was time to get ready again-more clothes drama.  This time Reagan wanted to change clothes so Robby said that she could if she folded the laundry basket of laundry.  The boys both grumbled about wearing jeans and Keaton, gracious me, she went nuts because I wouldn't let her wear a green sweater.  
• The Watoto choir was at church tonight and all the kiddos, even Whitman, greatly enjoyed the songs and the dancing of the kids.  Campbell said that she wished that she had their "moves."  Whitman made it through most of the service and then he, Keaton and I walked the halls for a bit.  
• Once we made it home, the kids had ice cream and then it was bedtime.  I think that they were pretty tired since we heard nothing from them once we came downstairs.

February 20, 2016

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• We all slept for a while this morning and Robby and I would have stayed in bed longer if it wasn't for the kids coming in asking about breakfast and making their breakfast suggestions.  Robby tried to convince them to choose grilled cheese sandwiches so we could just call it brunch but he had no takers.  So he made sausage and egg biscuits along with cantaloupe.  
• After breakfast the kids finished their leftover school from Friday.  It didn't take too long and when they were all done, it was time to get ready to leave for our shopping adventures.
• We didn't really need anything much but did need to get out of the house for a bit so the first stop was Kmart.  Yes, Kmart.  They were passing out free cotton candy so we do love free!  And we even managed to find a couple of pairs of shoes for some folks.  
• Then it was on to Toys R Us for more free-a free little lego thing.  The kids had to pick their pieces from boxes and then we brought home our instructions and the kids went to work.  Well, everyone but my non-lego kid-Graham.  He kept saying that he would put his together but never did today.  I wish that he would like legos just a little bit.
• The afternoon was spent doing nothing at all around here.  We were not productive at all and it was wonderful.  So the lazy afternoon quickly flew by and soon it was supper time.  Robby started on our Saturday night pancakes.
• He just keeps getting better at his pancakes and it was one of the kids favorite meals.  Whitman shoved them in his mouth as fast as he could.  After supper the boys watched the basketball game and everyone rotated in and out of the showers.
• Reagan really didn't care much about the ball game so she started on her school work for Monday.  She ended up finishing some of Mondays work and even a bit of Tuesdays.  She was pretty proud of herself for working on her school work and I thought this was great because since I even worked with her, my Monday will be lighter as well.
• Everyone had a cookie for a snack and at the close of the ball game, it was bedtime for everyone.  It wa a slow day but a wonderful one.

February 19, 2016

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• I tried to wake up early this morning but I didn't and surprisingly no one else stirred until after 7:25.  This should have been an early morning because we only had about an hour to work on our school before leaving the house this morning.  It wasn't and that was really fine with me.
• We had a short breakfast and then the kids did start work on school.  An hour of school work flies by very quickly.  No one was near finished when it was time to put on their clothes.  But we did lay out their school work in the kitchen so maybe we will do some of it tomorrow (we were just too tired this afternoon to do much more than rest)
• The kids were given Alititude gift cards for Christmas so today was the day we used them...and today was also the day that the rest of Little Rock was there as well.  It was pretty crowded for the first hour but then it did calm down some.  After paying, I quickly encouraged the kids to go play quickly before the field trip kids were released from their classes.  
• My babies loved jumping.  Anderson's favorite was probably dunking the basketball or possibly dodgeball.  Now Graham and Campbell stayed on the dodge ball court the entire time-seriously, I have no idea what Campbell was doing playing dodge ball but she kept ending up back there.  Reagan would bounce back and forth between dodge ball and playing with Keaton and Whitman.  Keaton was just happy to jump where ever she was.  And Whitman, my, oh my.  He would be here, then he would be there, then he would run away from me-I saw one lady with a kid on a leash.  She just stood on the side as the kid jumped and jumped with the leash going up and down-I thought about asking to borrow it for a while! 
• Whitman did have a blast but not enough fun to fall asleep on the way home.  Everyone was awake when we came home and we celebrated our fun morning with a little can of coke and Valentine candy.  The kids had showers and then Grannymom and Grandpa came over for a bit.
• Grandpa helped fix an outlet and the kids even had a chance to say their president reports.  Then the kids had a restful afternoon.  Campbell fell asleep in my bed and I closed (and locked) the door to the school room so I could get a few things accomplished in there-and be quiet for a bit.  So Keaton laid outside the school room door as I worked-she loves her momma!
• Supper tonight was at the Pennington's house.  They had some great BBQ, which is one of my favorite meals. The kids played and ended up watching a movie tonight.  Their movie helped the grownups to be able to visit for awhile which was really nice.  
• Once we made it home, the kids were exhausted so that made bedtime very, very easy!

February 18, 2016

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• Tara may have to fill in the blanks later but she's out Bunko-ing (or eating out!)
• A little bit of a different Thursday around here. I was actually headed into the office on a Thursday so I loaded up Keaton and Whitman. First stop was to drop Whitman off with Nonna where he was going to play while Keaton was at school. Dropped her off with Ms. Jennifer (it was bring your favorite stuffed animal day) and off to work I went.
• Meanwhile, the big kids started on their abbreviated day of school and chores because today was Homeschool Thursday with friends.  The kids had been waiting for this day awhile because it was also the day for a late celebration of Valentine's Day.
• Everyone started arriving and playing for a bit but, unfortunately, it started with an accident. One of Keaton's friends, Charlotte, was playing in the girls' room when she fell and hit the bed post. She ended up getting a cut right above her eye and after a few calls, it was determined they needed to head to doctor. (We later learned she got 4 stitches!)  Her sisters stayed behind though and we soon started on this month's oral reports. All of the kids had researched and studied about an American President and gave brief reports.  Keaton had Taft, Campbell had McKinley, Anderson had Truman, Reagan had Reagan and Graham had Obama.  It was reported everyone did a great job.  
• Next up was the passing out of Valentine's - most of ours had decorated their boxes with the help of Reagan but the boys' were more interested in just collecting all the goodies!  Whitman was so excited when anyone would pass him a Valentine.
• With the weather so nice, the rest of the afternoon was spent outside except for Whitman who kept wanting to sneak back into the house to eat more candy.  When he wasn't sneaking in for candy, he was pouring his water on everything.  He ended up staying so long in his time out spot that he fell asleep there.
• After everyone left, the kids pitched into help pick up the house and then take showers. I made it home soon after most showers completed.  Tara headed out and we started on supper. Just leftovers tonight but everyone seemed to enjoy the leftover potato hashbrown soup. It might have helped the kids saw the 1/2 price cookies I scored at Walmart today.  We saved those for the movie... continuing our true sports movies we watched Million Dollar Arm. (Earlier this week we watched Rudy).  We all enjoyed it but Keaton ended up dozing off near the ends since it was past 9 and she had a big day.

February 17, 2016

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• The kids woke up early but no one was too anxious to start getting ready for Bible study.  Reagan was to busy opening up the penguin thing she bought at the store the other night.  I finally was able to convince everyone to put on their clothes.
• We had our breakfast and the kids helped empty the trash cans and put away laundry.  Then it was time to head to Bible study.  I guess since we are in the car so much on Wednesdays, it is always the day that we count the most Slug Bugs.  Today's count was 12 to 3.  Nothing else causes my people to start screaming more than seeing a slug bug.  I would love to drive them by a VW dealership...but I would need my ear plugs!
• After dropping the little girls off at Bible study today, I walked back by Whitman's room on the way to my class.  I heard the teacher ask "do you have any brothers?" and he said "I do."  Then they asked if he had any sisters and he said "I do."  He then went on to try to tell the names of his sisters.  I peeked my head in and quickly explained that he indeed have a few brothers and sisters.
• Bible study seemed to fly by.  Everyone was in a good mood when I picked them up and we headed to the park to play.  The kids were so excited about lunch outside today.  They played and played together before it was time to leave.
• Beebee was in a good mood today-Whitman even said, "Beebee was very happy." She was happily doling out the candy and they were happily eating it up.  I had forgotten but meant to have the kids bring their president reports to her so they could read them and practice a bit before tomorrow's homeschool day.
• Once we were home, we worked on our leftover school work from Monday.  Then we had a few minutes of downtime before a quick supper and back to church.  When we came home, Robby had a snack on the table for the kids so everyone went to bed with a full tummy!

February 16, 2016

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• Last night as I was laying in bed, I remembered that I had neglected to blog about the most entertaining part of the day yesterday.  When we were at the grocery store, much of our time was indeed spent on the toy aisle.  There were a few bathroom breaks but the toy aisles were full of clearance items so Robby spent some time checking to see if any were worth buying and reselling (we will let you know how that works out for us!)
• While on the toy aisle, my boys were introduced to whoopee cushions.  I am sure that everyone in the store heard them cackling.  I would lift Whitman up for them and they would put the cushion under Whitman and then I would put him back down on it-every single time we did this all of my people would laugh and laugh.  This happened at least 900 times-I am surprised that we didn't get kicked out of the grocery store.
• Since we had carried on in the toy section so long the kids quickly became tired while doing the real shopping.  Graham tried his best to convince us to go to the check out lane.  He came up to me and said, "Mom, I saw something new at the front of the store.  Let's go try it out-it's called the checkout lane." 
• When we finally walked to the checkout lane, Reagan and Campbell had their arms around each other and were both limping as they slowly made their way to the check out.  Some days the kids can make you crazy but other days it is like I am living in a circus!
• Speaking of crazy, I will jump ahead to lunch in today's blog (in case you feel slighted from missing a blow by blow of the day, here are the cliff notes: wake up, breakfast, Keaton to school, school here and then lunch).  I thought we would finish off the leftover spaghetti for lunch today.  And before I could even pass out all of the bowls, Whitman had thrown his on the floor.  Seconds later, I looked down by Graham and he had already dropped more spaghetti than I had given him.  I started reading and then Anderson and Whitman were playing with a hat and down goes Whitman's spaghetti again.  And when Campbell jumped up to help, she spilled her spaghetti on the floor.  Right then I could have gotten in the car and driven far, far away but instead I dished up more spaghetti (the floor was to filthy to eat off of) and sat down to eat my spaghetti (and I was able to eat all of my meal without spilling any on the floor)
• After lunch, the kids worked on their chores and I spent my time sweeping and steam mopping the kitchen floor.  I made sure that the kitchen floor was going to be clean enough to eat off of so I will be ready next time all of lunch ends up on the floor.
• Graham finished his Valentines, Campbell painted a plane, birdhouse and on some paper, Reagan painted, Whitman painted and then I asked the boys if they wanted to make a Valentine box for Thursday's party.  And they said they the did not-I did a happy dance right there in the living room!
• That just left, Reagan's chocolate covered pretzels to make this afternoon-just about 250 of them.  Now my child, who is probably just like me, became crazy stressed about us having the right amount of pretzels for each bag. After I assured her that we had plenty, she then divided the pretzels up into how they had been dipped in the chocolate-half way dipped with pink sprinkles, covered with pink sprinkles, half way dipped with red sprinkled, covered with red sprinkles-and on and on her list went.  She then scribbled all of the the front and back of a piece of paper trying to figure out how everyone could get the exact same type of pretzels.  
• All of this was made more difficult with Campbell and Anderson trying to sneak in and eat her pretzels-she was about to have a stroke right there in the kitchen.  You wouldn't believe the veins popping out on the side of her head.  She was probably acting the same was I was when the 5th bowl of spaghetti fell on the floor during lunch.
• She finally divided out her pretzels. I told her that I would have just put them all in a bowl and reached in for a handful to fill her bags and she just looked at me in horror!  Crazy, crazy child!  Soon Robby was home with Keaton and everyone quickly had showers before it was supper.
• We had potato soup for supper and then all sat down to watch a movie before bedtime and then it was time for lights out.  But first, our Bible story time-Whitman and Keaton are having a contest to see who can move around the most during Bible story.  Right now Whitman is in the lead but Keaton is close behind him.  Aren't these people ever tired?  Don't they ever want to be still?

February 15, 2016

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• The kids spent the early morning hours hiding under their beds with flashlights.  If I hadn't have seen the glow from their flashlights, they could have hidden there all morning long.
• We had leftover doughnuts, leftover home made poptarts, and few bowls of cereal to start our morning.  Since today was President's day we only did half a day of school.  I probably should have pressed on and finished the entire days worth of school but the kids were about to cause me to have a breakdown so we will have to finish today's school Wednesday after Bible study and Thursday before our friends come over.
• After school, we started on our chores and picking up the house.  When Whitman and Keaton are both home the house is wrecked after school.  Since Robby was home, he quickly noticed what a mess they made.  The kids and I went to work on our chores and we were finished in time for everyone to have some free time before lunch.
• They actually had more time before lunch than usual because I became side tracked and lost track of time as I filed their school work away so we didn't eat until almost 1.  The kids weren't too concerned with our late eating time but everyone was stressed about which book I would read to them first. They all love for me to read to them and even asked for me to read at supper (I didn't because I was starving!)
• The afternoon was spent finishing my mirror for above my mantle (now I just need to finish the rest of the decorations for the mantle).  And a bit of treadmill time before we all loaded up to go to the grocery store.  The kids would rather stay at home for weeks on end than go to any store at all.  I told Robby that we should just stop shopping-shoes, food, gas, everything, to just prove a point to them that shopping is necessary.
• On our way into Kroger, I reminded the kids that I do things for them all day every day and Kroger is something that I enjoy so they were going to behave.  My speech worked-well, sensitive Anderson is probably the only one that heard and would remember what I had said.  Anyway, they were good-especially since we spent about an hour on the toy aisle!  
• Then we moved on to actually filling our two shopping carts and heading to a gas station and then to pick up pizza for supper.  When we made it home, it was late for supper so we all scarfed down supper and then the kids had a few minutes to watch a movie before bedtime.

February 14, 2016

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• Before I was out of bed this morning, my Valentine was getting ready and leaving.  Around that time, Keaton, Campbell and Graham burst into my room shouting, "Happy Valentine's Day."  Not exactly the wake up call I would like to have but it worked and I was soon out of bed dressing everyone and in the shower.
• Robby had not only picked up Reagan and Anderson from Grannymom but had also picked up a Sonic drink and doughnuts for breakfast.  Shipleys-which means the best doughnuts ever which are the chocolate filled ones!  Too bad there isn't any left for my snack tonight.
• The kids also had a bag full of candy for their Valentine treats.  I do think that we outdid ourselves in the candy department this year.  I certainly expect the dentist bill to go up at our house!
• We headed to church this morning with a bag of candy to pass out to my Sunday school class and though we had 12 last week, only 4 were there today which meant candy to pass out to our own kiddos. That combined with the candy they had received from their own Sunday school teachers and cupcakes that were give as snacks, they were pretty wired!
• And then when we arrived at Nonna's house, there was more candy-candy flowers on the table, chocolate covered strawberries and even a bag of candy!  It was a wonder that none of my usual Sunday nappers did not go to sleep today....
• Well, one of my nappers did go to sleep.  Whitman did take a nap-mainly because I laid on top of him until he finally fell asleep.  That squirmy wormy still ended up falling asleep on top of me and for a few minutes I didn't think that I was going to be able to get up with him laying on top of me.  But I did and then laid him back in bed and napped myself for about 20 minutes!
• We quickly woke up and fed everyone a quick supper before heading to church.  After church, we came back home for ice cream truck and to bed! 

February 13, 2016

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• Those silly kids didn't heed our advice and stay in bed until 8 but we all should have been up a few minutes earlier to make our morning run a bit smoother.  Robby was in charge of breakfast this morning and let Campbell and Keaton make monkey bread. 
• The kids had half of a movie from the other day to finish so they ate in the living room while they finished their movie.  Robby and I scurried around getting ourselves and everything ready to leave for the day.
• Our first stop today was at Lowes for another building project.  The kids really seemed to enjoy building-today's project was a Valentine picture frame.  I didn't really follow the directions well so we had to redo a few steps but the kids didn't mind since they just gave them more chances to hammer.  After we built our frames we looked at dryers (we need a new one upstairs), then the kitchens (the kids are big in home improvement shows right now and I am always dreaming) and then we browsed the tractors (Robby is always dreaming about a new tractor.)
• Then it was to Grannymom's house to drop of Anderson for the night over there.  He was excited to get to watch Cash play ball.  Afterwards, I ran into Sams with the kids while Robby went to Walmart to pick up the kids Valentine goodies.  We just walked around and ate sample after sample-this made Reagan extremely happy since she loves Sams' samples and will try anything that they pass out.
• On the way home, we picked up a burger and ate.  Graham ate quickly because he was anxious to start watching the Hogs play.  Robby and I worked on Valentines for our Sunday school class and then I started on Whitman's Valentines.
• Around 2, Louanne came over and began cooking.  I had asked her to show me how to make her spaghetti sauce and she brought enough stuff to stay busy cooking while the sauce cooked for 4+ hours.  We cooked and cooked-spaghetti sauce, meatballs, green beans, noodles, bread, manicotti and home made pop tarts.  My little girls helped and Shannon even came over and helped take notes on everything Louanne did.
• Some time during the afternoon Robby met Dana and dropped of Reagan so she could spend the night with Lili.  After we had finished everything, we all sat down to eat and the food was delicious.  It was a day filled with cooking and it was a blast!
• Robby and I cleaned the kitchen and put everything away after all of our company left.  Then we put our tired kiddos to bed.  Graham, Keaton and Campbell were the only ones sleeping upstairs and Graham asked to sleep in the girls room like Anderson has before when Graham was gone.  So we let him and then Campbell asked if they all could sleep in the floor so that is where everyone is but we never heard a peep from anyone!

February 12, 2016

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• My kids were pretty surprised this morning when I told them that they had about an hour and a half to do as much as their school as they could.  Of course they immediately started to ask where we were going and what we were doing but I knew answering any of those questions would lead to many, many more questions.  
• The kids finished their breakfast and quickly started on their school.  I straightened the kitchen and left Whitman in his high chair eating.  With him happily eating, I grabbed Graham and started working with him.  It didn't take too long to finish with G and move on to Anderson and then Reagan.  It helped some that we didn't have spelling to do today but I still didn't get around to working with Campbell (that is what Saturday is for I guess!)
• We stopped school at 9:30 to get ourselves ready and to straighten the house for just a bit.  I was supposed to leave about 10 minutes earlier than I had planned so this change of schedule through me and I ended up leaving about 10 minutes late!  It was fine though and we picked up half of the Wilsons and then picked up the other half before heading downtown.
• Robby had scoped me out a parking spot but then we opted to park at his work so I dropped everyone off and parked.  We had lunch at Gus and man, my kiddos really like their chicken.  Late this afternoon, Campbell told me how good that chicken was today.  
• And then the big event-earlier in the day the kids were trying to guess where we were going.  They started to get really excited so I said "it is not like Playtime Pizza or Altitude exciting."  My Reagan then asked "is it like church exciting?"  She was politely trying to ask "is this something that you will think is exciting but we will not-like church?"  I assured her that it was more exciting than church.
• We went to the RV show and it was lots of fun.  We climbed in and out of a zillion RVs and my kids touched everything there! We saw big RVS and little RVs and medium sized RVS.  Everyone stayed together and my Whitman happily rode in his stroller-as long as I would let him out every few RVS and let him climb in one!
• Afterwards, we headed home and I let the kids convince me to stop at Sonic on the way home.  This made them happy but it also made me happy-when they are happy and they were all quiet when we came home (they were busy sucking up their slushes)  I was able to lay down between Keaton, Campbell and Whitman for a few minutes.  It didn't last too long though because soon I was in the attic looking for canning jars.
• Near supper time, I whipped up some quesadillas and fed the chillins and then we dropped them off at church.  Tonight Campbell was with the big kids so she was a bit unsure walking down the hall but she certainly enjoyed herself.  
• We met the Wilsons and went to Brunos to eat.  The wait was pretty long even though we had plenty of time.  Our food came out first so the Wilsons watched us eat and then much later their food came out and we watched them eat.  Then we hurried back to our car and made it to church with a few minutes to spare and surprisingly we were not the last ones to pick up our kids.  
• We came home with some pretty tired kids and put them all to bed and urged them to sleep past 7 in the morning-my bet is that we will be up by 6!

February 11, 2016

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• Whitman was the first one in our bed and then Campbell followed by Keaton.  Some mornings everyone still comes in and snuggles with us and other days, no one even thinks about us at all.  Today was Keaton's Valentine party day at school and she was very, very excited about it.  
• When Robby left with Campbell, Whitman and Keaton this morning, the rest of us went right to work with school.  I worked with Graham (spelling and language), then Anderson (spelling, language, writing) and then Reagan (spelling, language, writing and many math corrections).  We were moving along when Robby came in from dropping off Keaton. 
• I got Campbell settled down to work and Whitman found his kindle and then I was out the door for Keaton's Valentine party.  I tell you, my little Keaton was so adorable today-they were eating cupcakes when I arrived then they decorated a few heart pictures and finally games.  After all of the activities, Ms. Jennifer let the kids look at all of their Valentines.  My Keaton happily looked at everything and then she carefully and meticulously placed every Valentine back in her bag-we were the last ones in the room!
• Back at home, the others had finished up school-when we came in, Keaton showed off her Valentine's cards.  Then I started to work on checking a few leftover school papers before starting on lunch.  I read a bit during lunch and then the kids did some of their chores (or I should say: re-did some of their chores that they had "completed" while I was away.)
• Robby had to go to work for a bit so the rest of us settled in for a it of school together work before the kids started their afternoon.  I snuggled with Whitman on the couch for a bit and one of us napped!  It wasn't too long after that when Robby came back in and asked where everyone was-I had absolutely no idea!  The girls were all upstairs crafting and the boys (including Whitman) were all playing the xbox.  
• I worked some on our year-old mirror project and spend some time on the treadmill before it was finally supper time.  We all ate and then started the movie Parent Trap-the kids all sat watching it but poor Whitman was terrified during one silly scene and ended up sitting in my lap until he was asleep.  KEaton was right next to us and soon fell asleep as well.  If we had watched the last half of the movie, I am pretty sure that Campbell would also have fallen asleep.

February 10, 2015

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• My alarm rang and rang and rang this morning and after hitting snooze for about 30 minutes, I finally turned my alarm clock off much to Robby's delight and climbed out of bed.  It was 6:30 and I heard those silly girls upstairs.  I walked halfway up their stairs to get on to them but then it sounded like they were just having a good time and no one was even trying to sleep, so I let them be and went to the treadmill.
• I was trying to be quiet on the treadmill so I didn't turn on the tv but the girls said that they had seen me go up the stairs and knew where I was.  At 7, they all come bouncing in to watch me the last few minutes of my walk.  
• Then it was time to get everyone ready.  We had breakfast and then I cleaned the potties while the kids worked on the laundry.  They were able to fold some of it before I had finished.  They helped put all of the clothes up and that is about the time that I realized that after loading Whitman's bag, my Bible and CBS book, 3 kid Bibles and books and Reagan's snack in the car, I realized that I had forgotten to pack lunch for today so the kids helped me grab stuff for lunch and then we were off to Bible study.
• Lunch today was at Sara's house since most of the crew couldn't go out and eat.  The kids played outside and we had a good time talking and even briefly thinking about what all we are going to do for school next year.  
• Once I had all of the kids in the car after lunch (proved to be quiet difficult) we headed to see Beebee.  She was in a fine mood though she did want to show the kids her huge sore on her leg (which they saw last week).  Also, Campbell was teasing one of Beebee's aides who always teases the kids.  Campbell teased the aide telling him to go to jail and he said that he had already been there 3 times.  Beebee, who rarely watches her words around the kids, snapped at him telling him to not say that.  The quick thinking aide said that it was the truth and all because of bad's choices.  I wholeheartedly agreed and reminded everyone that we should always do the right thing.
• We then headed home and I drove less than the speed limit the entire way home-took forever to get home.  The kids didn't even talk on our ride home-why? So we could get Whitman to go to sleep and it didn't work at all.  I thought about driving down another few streets but just gave up and tried to put him down for a nap the old fashioned way and the old fashioned way to Whitman includes climbing out of his bed.  I let it go and just let him get up and join the others.
• Supper was rushed but we were able to feed everyone before we headed to church.  We had a quick stop at the library and then on to church for Island Night.  Nothing like kids wearing flip flops to church in freezing weather but whatever makes them happy.  Back at home tonight and we ran everyone through the showers in record time before bed!

February 9, 2016

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• Again this morning, Whitman was the first Dennie up.  Right out of bed and to the door where he has started to knock.  I put him in bed with us and the poor baby was coughing up a storm.  I gave him Anderson's breather and then he had a long, hot shower with Robby so that combination helped him not cough to much during the day (but he has already started coughing again tonight)
• Keaton headed to school this morning and the rest of us feasted on Campbell's cinnamon rolls.  We had made it very clear that better behavior was expected today and fortunately, the kids obliged.  
• The one rather large hiccup that we had was Reagan's math.  She is now adding 3 fractions with different denominators.  Her math man didn't teach them how to do it the way that I know how (find the lowest common denominator) instead he taught two other ways that really, really seem like a lot of work.  There were tears but she did finally figure it out but it still looks like greek to me.  I guess I am going to have to start refreshing my 4th grade knowledge of fractions!
• Whitman stayed busy again today-this morning playing with Graham and Campbell, setting up the kiddie table and working a puzzle there, helping himself to a few handfuls of cereal and finally watching Einsteins as we did our together work right before lunch.
• For lunch, I had leftover pizza from Saturday or the Mexican casserole from last night.  They all opted for pizza so I divided the 2 small pieces of pizza into 5 servings and then I started to scoop the Mexican casserole on the plate.  Everyone did their best to convince me that the pizza would be enough-seriously, I do not think that a 2x2 inch piece of pizza could fill up a child but I guess they would rather be hungry than eat leftovers from last night!
• The afternoon was again too busy-working on my mirror, working on Campbell's Valentine box, finishing Anderson's rocket (it is now ready for launch soon), treadmill time, chores and re-organizing all of the kids drawers (with them so that was a special treat!)
• When Robby came home, he started on tonight's pancakes-today is National pancake day.  This was his best batch yet and the kids gobbled them up along with the sausage and there were no leftovers to tonight's meal.  
• Showers for all and then it was time for a few tv shows before bed (Innovation Nation).  By the time bedtime rolled around, my Whitman was a pretty tired dude-I have stopped even trying to put him down for a nap (which I know is a big mistake on my part because I will still want for him to be napping when he is 4 or 5 or really even 10).

February 8, 2016

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• I hit snooze a few too many times this morning and woke up just a few minutes before the kids.  I had almost finished my Bible study when I heard someone knocking-it was Whitman knocking to get out of his room.  I opened the door and there he stood saying, "I can't open door."  He knows he can't open the door but he has never said anything about the door knob not even being on the door.
• Breakfast included a word search for Reagan and Anderson.  They are taking part in Lilli's science fair project-seeing if they would do better on their puzzle after their tummys were full.  I do believe that all she will be able to see from their puzzles is that we are not that great on word searches here! 
• School started off well and then it all just fell apart.  My Anderson is so easily distracted but he was the least of my worries. Graham and Campbell were in rare form today.  Basically it was a pretty ugly morning but I stayed Duggarish but that didn't really help.  Thankfully we were able to finish school (everyone except Campbell) by lunch time and things did begin to calm down...some.
• After lunch was busier than before lunch.  We did our chores which did take quite a while it seemed.  Then I helped Anderson start to build a rocket (crafting is just not my thing) and then I moved into finishing the cinnamon rolls with Campbell.  We made many, many pans of cinnamon rolls and Campbell was delighted with them-they were pretty good (good enough that we passed out a panful tonight after supper). 
• I always hear of interval training and that is just what I did this afternoon on the treadmill-run for 10 minutes, go downstairs to change pans of cinnamon rolls in the oven and then back upstairs to run.  This probably isn't the type of interval training that they talk about but I did learn one thing-I need a double oven!
• I had supper ready when Robby made it home (well, almost) and then more crafting after supper-Reagan's valentine box.  It is really, really cute but goodness I am tired!  Whitman has just been all over everywhere today and though he has not broken anything today he did spill most of my cereal but the sweet little thing was trying his best to put it all back in the container!