Adventures in Dennieland...: 02/01/2017

February 28, 2017

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Whitman was in our room early this morning talking about breakfast. He eventually left while telling me that he was going to watch a movie. I didn't have the words yet to tell him that we couldn't watch a movie in the morning time and I guess his brothers didn't want to fight him because they quickly turned a movie on for him.
I helped Keaton and Whitman put their clothes on and then they grabbed their breakfast before they headed off to school. Keaton said that Ms. Stacy was back and her friend Harper was too. I asked Whitman if anyone in his class got in trouble today and he said that they did not. I continued with my daily school question to him, "Did you get in trouble today?" He always says that he did not get into trouble but I am seriously not that sure that he understands what the word "trouble" means.
After picking up breakfast, grabbing the laundry for me to fold and gathering my cereal and water, I sat down ready to work on school. I was greeted with a pile of Graham's school work and Campbell's school work that they had already completed for today. That is fine but I was quickly overwhelmed. I prefer school work to trickle in and not be greeted with a pile of papers.
I started with Graham and he must have zoomed through his work because he had lots of mistakes to fix. That seemed to take a good while and work to be graded continued to pile up. I was able to catch up while I was working with Anderson next. As he wrote his spelling sentences I graded school work and as he read his reading passage I ran to put up my laundry.
Next up was working with Campbell and then Reagan. I had a few minutes before we started working together and was able to do my Bible study and pull out school for tomorrow. I do feel like we do the same thing during school every single day-I guess that could be a bad thing or I guess that could be a good thing.
Anderson did do really, really great on his writing today. I helped him with one paragraph and then he did the other one himself. This was the first day that he really got it and did it without me having to come back and fix stuff. This made me very, very happy.
We made lunch and I read as the kids ate. Then we all worked on our chores. The kids tried to go outside some and were in and out a bit this afternoon. They then watched a few movies. When I finally decided to get on the treadmill, the kids all ended up outside. They played and played until Robby, Keaton and Whitman came home.
Everyone was still playing outside this evening when the sky continued to become darker. I had seen a storm warning and had turned on the tv. I was sitting in the living room watching the weather man and knew the tornado wasn't anywhere near us but before I realized it, the sirens were going off. I quickly headed to the door but Graham beat me.
There was complete madness happening outside-kids just running around like chickens with the heads cut off. Graham was telling the neighbor kids not to go home (fairly wise) but I told them the tornado wasn't near here but to still go home. (Later, I talked with me people that if they are down the road and Ms. Corser says to get in their house, then you get in her house since sometimes storms do pop up quickly.) The kids weren't too sure about putting their bikes and toys in the garage but I stayed with them assuring them the entire time.
We all then went inside and sat watching the weather men on the tv. We needed to run everyone through the showers and even though I could clearly see that the weather was no where near us, just hearing those sirens blaring outside is a bit unnerving. After a long while, everyone did shower and Robby and I started on supper.
Tonight we had quesadillas and Robby said that was his favorite meal (next to pizza, of course). I really enjoyed mine since I added tomatoes and black beans to mine (speaking of tomatoes, someone please help me grow my own tomatoes this year.) The kids sat at the table while we cleaned the kitchen-there was a bit of arm wrestling going on.
Then we watched some Ninja Warrior followed by my favorite evening show-Innovation Nation. I had made cookies earlier in the day for tomorrow so of course I saved some back for tonight's dessert. Everyone seemed to enjoy our tv watching tonight and then it was bedtime!

February 27, 2017

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I had to wake up Whitman and Keaton this morning. I walked into the girls' room and noticed that Campbell wasn't in her bed and I already knew that she wasn't downstairs. I glanced in Reagan's bed and didn't think that I saw her there but then I looked and saw her all cuddled up in Keaton's bed. I asked her when she climbed in bed with Keaton and she said that she did before it was lights out time.
Robby took Whitman to Nonna's house for the morning and Keaton to school. Ms. Stacy wasn't there but Keaton still took in her Daffodils for today's D show and tell. Whitman was having lots of fun at Nonna's house because Nonna had made him a fort and he had a blast playing in it.
The rest of us started on school and since Graham and Campbell did much of their work yesterday, they were finished early, early. Reagan picked her easiest items to do today and since her math this week was pretty easy, she was also done very early. We worked together a bit earlier than usual and were soon doing chores and eating lunch all before noon.
At 12, we loaded up to pick up Keaton and Whitman from Nonna's house. We had a field trip today to Central High School National Historic Site. Our home school buddies were there as well.
The first thing we did was listened to the tour guide read a Dr. Seuss book-who knew Dr. Seuss wrote a book about racism. Then we walked to Central and went through the building while our tour guide told us lots of information. Once back inside the museum, we watched the film and then toured the exhibits. At supper tonight, the kids told Robby about everything that they had learned and I was quite surprised at all of the information that they had taken in.
After we left Central, we drove around the capitol building to see the statues of the Little Rock Nine and then headed to Sonic to pick up our happy hour drinks to celebrate good behavior during our field trip.
Once at home, the kids watched some tv until the neighbors came out and then the house emptied and the kids stayed out until after 7. Robby and I were just about to walk down and get the kids when I heard them come creeping up the driveway. Now when I was a 5 or 11 or any age in between, I would have never walked from our neighbors house to our house in the dark. It is dark, dark outside and even though we have on every light imaginable for them to see better, it was still dark. My people didn't seem to mind at all. First to walk up was Anderson followed by Graham and Reagan. I quickly asked about their sisters-I had thought that they had probably left them behind but they were right behind the others.Anderson didn't have his bike so they didn't even have his bike tire lights.
Once inside, we ran everyone through the showers and by the time that they had dried off, Robby was serving up his waffles. We had strawberries and sausage along with the waffles and we ate everyone that we had cooked. I do believe that waffles might be one of the favorite meals around here.
We watched one tv show before bed (Innovation Nation) and then the kids were put to bed. The boys were not able to do any reading tonight because of too much excitement upstairs last night. The girls were able to read for a bit and I do believe that Campbell is upstairs finishing up tomorrow's school before tomorrow even begins.

February 26, 2017

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This morning when I woke up, I noticed that our bedroom door had been opened and someone had pilfered through the pile of Sunday clothes leftover from Thursday's church directory pictures. I would have to assume it was Graham since he was the first one with his clothes on this morning.
Robby had a different type of cinnamon rolls to try this morning and they were better than yesterdays. Everyone seemed to like them except Campbell who asked for cereal-odd child. Then the kids had a bit of time to play their ipads as they waited on us to get ourselves ready.
We saw all of the grands and then Robby and I dropped the kids off in their Sunday school classes and we went to church. Our other teachers were there today so we snuck off to worship and it was wonderful. We had forgotten how much we missed it.
Of course this mean that we were finished with church early so we had time to read the paper and eat most of Pops' meat for lunch before lunch time-every time we would walk by the platter of meat, we would grab a bite. I was full before lunch even began.
The kids played and could have stayed longer but our girl scout cookies were being delivered so we headed home. Once they arrived, I took my box upstairs and Robby took his box and we settled in for an afternoon nap. Don't tell Robby but when he was snoozing, I ate a few of his! I don't have to worry about anyone eating mine since they have coconut in them and that is just fine with me!
The kids watched some tv this afternoon and even tried to go outside. They didn't last out there too long-it was a bit chilly. We have become like people living in a tropical climate-when the temperature drops a few degrees, then we become cold-even if it isn't really that cold.
We eventually picked up the house and then Robby and I made supper for the kids. They ate and then it was time to watch one show before bed. The kids had a bit of time in bed before lights had to be out-Reagan worked on memorizing a poem for April (that girl is just like me!), Campbell and Keaton were coloring, Anderson and Graham were doing school work and Whitman was apparently jumping on his bed!

February 25, 2017

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One of the boys came in our room fairly early this morning asking about breakfast. We were able to hold them off for a good while until Robby finally had to get out of bed to make the promised cinnamon rolls.
He did make them but since my side of the bed was closest to the oven, I was the one who had to get them out of the oven. I did let Campbell and Anderson put the icing on them and crawled back into bed. I do believe that I should really teach those kids how to properly use the oven so we could just tell them to cook their own Saturday morning cinnamon rolls.
Soon everyone was eating-except Reagan because she didn't come downstairs until well after 9. The kids watched some tv, some people went outside for a bit and before I knew it, Keaton and I were loading up to go to her second birthday party this weekend. Being popular is a lot of hard work-this party was 30 minutes away and Keaton talked pretty much the entire way there.
The party was fun-lots of girls playing, lots of pizza, playing outside and even a pinata. My kid knew how to collect pinata candy-she stood there ready the entire time just waiting on that candy to spill.
Campbell, Anderson and Graham went with Jason to the book store for a Lego event. There were Legos for the kids to build, cards to take home and a few puzzle pages to do. The kids had a good time and arrived home at about the same time that we did.
It was a fairly short afternoon and soon we were loading up to head to the Pennington's house for supper. Jaymie had made the meat and April had made the fixings. The kids played and had a good time. We stayed until the Hogs won their game and then we headed home.
Everyone had to have showers before bed and they were a tired little bunch. We ran them in and out of the showers and soon all of our people were sleeping soundly.

February 24, 2017

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I knew around 6:30 this morning that I didn't set my alarm for this morning and I did secretly hope that we would be able to snooze a bit longer than usual and blame it on the lack of alarm. However, Whitman was in our room at the normal time and we were soon starting our morning.
I couldn't really lollygag around too long this morning because we had one more day of school to complete this week. This was another four day week-we have had lots of them these last 2 months and that makes me happy. I can already see the light at the end of the tunnel-the kids reading pages are coming to an end, handwriting books are over for almost everyone and other little odds and ends are almost finished.
I had laid out work for Whitman to do this morning to do during school and Keaton and he worked on it during the morning-they never touched her work though. Even though I should have been finished working with the kids earlier than usual this morning I was not. It wasn't until 11:30 that we started on our working together for today.
That meant that lunch was well after 12. The kids straightened some while I heated up pizza for the boys, made sandwiches for the little girls and warmed a baked potato for Reagan. Everyone seemed to enjoy their lunch and ate and ate while I read on of our new library books.
The kid went outside a bit this afternoon and then came inside until the neighbors finally appeared. Once the neighbors were out, our people disappeared for the rest of the afternoon and even some of the evening. Campbell and Reagan were out until 7!
Whitman spent most of his afternoon laying on or wrapped up in a large brown piece of paper. I am not really sure what he thinks it is or why he is doing it but it is a bit funny. Tonight while they were watching a movie, he was covered with a blanket but underneath that blanket is his sheet of brown paper.
Keaton had a birthday party to go to at 6 so I had to call her in to change clothes. We loaded up and went to the party. It was at a place filled with jumpys and the girl had a blast. She jumped and jumped and was so hot and sweaty when they finally stopped. The had pizza and cake at the party. When the goodie bags were handed out, we walked out to leave-we were on the sidewalk when Keaton said, "my shoes!" Ha! I was about to leave her shoes there.
Back at home, Robby had heated up more leftovers for the kids and they had just settled in to watch a crazy long football movie when we returned home. I quietly ate my Chinese food that I had picked up on the way home and then settled in a corner to write the blog.

February 23, 2017

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I had already gotten out of bed when Whitman came into our room this morning. He climbed in bed with Robby so it didn't take me long to jump back in bed. Really, the snuggling days around here are fleeting quickly so I don't let any opportunity pass by.
Whitman helped me wake up the girls-he likes to kiss them until they wake up but that usually doesn't work. This morning he slid on Campbell like she was a slide. Since she was covered with her slippery sleeping bag, he was able to slide fairly well.
Keaton and Whitman put on their clothes and were soon eating a pop tart in Robby's car on the way to school. Whitman's poptart was broken and this caused major drama. Sweet, tender hearted Keaton wanted to trade with him but I wouldn't let her-she gives him everything that he wants all of the time. I am not sure how much he ate, but he didn't starve.
When Robby took them to school, the rest of us started on our school work here. Working together didn't seem to take long today but I was barely able to finish in time to leave for Keaton and Whitman. Some days the kids just get their work done with little drama and this was one of those days-they are few and far between but when they do happen, it is wonderful.
I picked up Keaton and Whitman and Campbell rode along with me for the ride. The highlight of the ride was seeing a trash truck broken down in the road. We talked about that for the entire rest of the ride home.
Once at home, the kids played for a minute while I worked on lunch. After lunch, I did my chore inspection. Some times the kids can do great on chores and other times they are just pretty lazy. Our normal schedule is pretty heavy on chores early in the week and the last part of the week is just maintaining/straightening. So even though they didn't have too much to do today, there was still lots to be re-done correctly.
The afternoon flew by-most of my afternoon was spent picking out clothes for our church directory picture. Anderson had one shirt that would match our color scheme-black, grey, black and maroon (do you notice how our color scheme pretty much contained most of the colors?) His shirt was too small (Graham ended up wearing it) so I went back upstairs and the only other long sleeve dressy shirts in his closet was a bright yellow Eastery one and a red plaid. My choices were Target or the attic. I ventured in the attic and opened the 'boys next' bin knowing that I wasn't going to find anything (my stash of upcoming clothes for my boys is very limited) but thank God right on top was the perfect colored shirt and the perfect size. All was well...except for the kids' attitudes when they saw what I had picked out for them. No one was too pleased.
Well, they were plenty pleased though when Robby said that there would be some type of reward for good behavior during the pictures and there was excellent behavior. When we walked in, Whitman was intently listening to the man when he said "Come sit here, sir" and he went and tried to climb on the stool. Soon enough he had his spot and we were taking pictures. It was relatively painless and the man didn't try to sell us pictures too hard. We didn't buy any but the church directory picture isn't too bad at all-8 people looking at the camera=win!
We then ran by the library for me to check out a few book that I had on hold, drove to the gas station with 5 more miles of gas left in the tank, bought drinks for the kids' reward at another gas station and then picked up their mini pizzas that they earned from reading.
When we made it home, the neighbors were out so everyone changed clothes and then they were outside playing. They played outside until almost 7 when the neighbors had to go in. The kids did eat a bite of their supper occasionally while they were running in and out.
Then it was shower time followed by some good ole nothing time. They didn't do anything all evening long and neither did we! Around 9, we did start ushering everyone upstairs for bedtime. They had a few minutes to read-Reagan was working on reading her Bible for Sunday school, Graham did some school work, Anderson was reading his Bible comic book, Keaton was coloring, Campbell was coloring some too and Whitman was just causing a ruckus since he had a good nap in the car this afternoon.

February 22, 2017

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You know it is Bible study day when you the kids are all dressed before I have to ask them or even dressed before I get out of bed. As I was getting myself ready, my boys walked through with their trash bags working on the trash bags. I love people showing some initiative!
We listened to our book on the way to Bible study and I do believe that I have decided that I want to start reading all of the kids books that I have never read-no, not read them to the kids but just read them myself.
My people had a great time at Bible study as always. Whitman's teacher told me how he really loved the markers that he used today in his class. (They are now on his birthday list.) Anytime his teachers want to talk, I always get nervous that he has not been nice but she just went on and on about how much he loved those markers. His two teachers are the absolute sweetest ladies ever.
We went to the park to play for lunch. My big kids barely eat anything while we are at the park-Anderson even asked me to not even pack him a lunch since he would rather play. The others eat just enough to appease me before running off to play. The ground was wet today so everyone left with pretty wet socks and shoes.
At home, Whitamn cried for about 30 minutes. He was just exhausted and nothing I could do would help. I finally just laid down in his bed with him as he cried and cried. After I had had enough of that, I left him alone to take a nap and he did lay quietly for about 30 minutes. He was still awake so I did let him come down and he was a different child-he just needed to calm down and be quiet for a minute.
The kids were inside until about 4:20 when they saw the neighbors outside. They all burst out the door as I was shouting that they only had a few minutes to play. At 5, I told them to come in to eat. We were able to scarf down supper and then we were off to church tonight.
Tonight at church I had to drop something off to Grannymom. They were already in their church service so I came in and headed to the back so I could hand my stuff off to Nonna to get to Grannymom. When we left, Keaton looked at me and said, "What are they doing standing up holding their Bibles?" My poor child doesn't even know what a hymnal. What is this world coming to?
After church, we came home for showers. Robby managed the shower takers while I served up snacks. Then Bible story, bed and a bit of reading!

February 21, 2017

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Last night before I went to bed, I checked on Keaton since I was afraid she was a bit warm. I felt her forehead and then uncovered her a bit. Then I went on back downstairs and climbed in the shower.
Robby was walking around getting ready for bed and I thought I saw his red shirt walk past again. A few seconds later I heard him make an odd sound and then laughingly tell Keaton that she had scared him. She said she didn't feel good so we pulled out blankets and she slept soundly in our room.
Robby and I laid in bed talking about how surprised we were that Keaton had came all of the way downstairs by herself. This morning when I was waking up Campbell, who was sleeping in Reagan's bed, she asked where Keaton was. I told her that she came down around midnight and Reagan quickly corrected me saying that Keaton came down at 11:29. I asked her if Keaton had asked to go down and she told me that she walked her down, heard me in the shower and even know that Keaton scared Daddy.
This morning Keaton woke up and was ready to go to school. She was hoping that the helicopter was going to come back for Whitman's class-it did not. They both had a good day at school and stayed busy at Grannymom's house this afternoon.
We did our school work this morning and even had time to play a game before lunch. Reagan was the winner today of the trophy and was pretty pleased about it. We then had leftovers for lunch-Graham and Campbell didn't want leftovers so they had to make their own sandwiches.
After we finished lunch, I made everyone get to work on their chores. Tonight was Bunko night at the house and I needed all of the help that I could get. After the kids finished their chores, I did let them go outside despite the continually drizzling rain. I made sure that they didn't track in a mess and let them do whatever they liked-Campbell came in a bit wet but Graham was so wet that he asked to take a shower.
I stayed busy in the kitchen most of the afternoon stopping only to do the three things that I seem to be doing often these days-sorting kids clothes to give away, working on our National Park Passport book and walking on that blasted treadmill.
Robby came home with Keaton and Whitman and I helped him unload the car. I didn't notice the salads that he picked up for me but assumed he put them in the garage fridge. Later I asked him if he thought my bowl would be big enough for the salads. He looked at me and said, "I'll be right back." He forgot my salads but was soon back with salads in hand.
Robby took the kids off and they picked up supper and then went to watch another movie. I think my people are becoming movie watching fans or maybe they are just popcorn eating fans. They returned and headed right on to bed while my bunko girls laughed and talked downstairs.
Everyone left around 10 and Robby helped me load the dishwasher and then we finally set down-I think I am kind of tired!

February 20, 2017

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Robby was off today since it was President's Day but Keaton still had to go to school. We went ahead and sent Whitman to Nonna's house for the morning like usual and decided to do school. If I had really thought about it, I probably would have skipped school all together and not sent Keaton.
But this wouldn't have been a good day for her to miss. A helicopter from Children's (or somewhere) landed for the preschoolers to see. They watched it land and then take off again and even were able to walk and go look inside of it. (If we would have known about this, I would have brought all my people to see it too.)
Not only did she see the helicopter, it was her snack day and she took real x-rays for her letter X Show and Tell. After school, Nonna and Whitman picked up Keaton and then they had a busy afternoon. It was no wonder Keaton was feeling a bit puny tonight, she had had a huge day and was probably exhausted.
The rest of us spent the morning doing school. We zoomed through today since Graham and Reagan did a bit of school last night (I believe some folks are upstairs working on their school now too.) I did skip our history and science today so I could work on some of my own chores. Bunko is here tomorrow so I needed all of the extra time I can get. (Don't worry, I don't plan on getting any further behind on science or history.)
We had our lunch and then started on a few more chores. Then I told the kids that they could all pick one movie and then they had to head outside. By the time I left the treadmill, all of my people were outside playing. The neighbors were not out today and every once in a while, my crew looked bored out of their mind out there! But they stayed outside.
Robby did go outside a bit and play football. Keaton and Whitman came home and they eve played outside until it started to rain. The kids then came inside and started on their showers.
We ate supper at Grannymom's house since Robby had to order a pizza. The kids played their ipads and watched Wheel of Fortune while eating pizza and cookies. We were able to see Grannymom for a bit when she came home and then we headed home.
The kids brushed and then it was bedtime. They had about 25 minutes to read or do some school work tonight. Keaton tried to read some but she was just too tired. The little one in the boys' room, Whitman, doesn't appear to be tired since we can still hear him talking away.

February 19, 2017

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After being out a bit late, we slept a bit later so we were scrambling to get everyone ready. It was a good thing that we had laid out everyone's clothes yesterday. Clothes putting on went fairly well until Reagan noticed that Campbell was wearing her shirt. Reagan worked her magic and was able to make Campbell switch shirts-she's a deceptive little booger. Everyone ended up happy.
We made it to church in time to see our grands and the little lady that gives the kids candy. I had her and her friend a little package today. Then it was time for Sunday school. We have a pretty rowdy group of 3rd graders-18 today. By the end, I am a sweaty and hoarse and ready to sit for a bit.
But there is no sitting in big church and soon I was sneaking out to pick up Whitman. He was sitting listening to a book when I came to pick him up. Then it was off to Dana's house to celebrate Grannymom's birthday.
Dana had Mexican lasagna and it was delicious. We all sang Happy Birthday to Grannymom as she blew out the candles on her cookie cake. The kids were able to play with their cousins and had a great time. They played outside but also spent a lot of time playing with slime that Lilly and Cash had made.
We came home and the kids watched some tv before going outside. When they came outside, I started writing out my grocery list. I asked everyone if they wanted to go with me and no one said they did, until I started to climb in the car. Then Keaton and Campbell changed their mind and jumped in with me.
We shopped and shopped, while the others came in, had their showers, and ate supper. When we made it home, the girls quickly had their showers and supper before joining the others in front of the tv to watch an episode of The Wall before going to bed.

February 18, 2017

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Everyone was awake this morning and asking when we were going to leave. I am pretty sure that we had told everyone that today's departure time was near lunch time but they must have forgotten this conversation while sleeping.
The kids played some this morning and watched some tv. Robby made them fold laundry before they could turn on the tv. This did cause a bit of turmoil and after only a few shows, it was time to complete my list of chores before we loaded up to pick up Whitman.
There was lots of traffic on Nonna's street this morning so Whitman had lots to watch. I put him in the car as he told Nonna that we were going to Hawaii. I had told him Friday that we were going to watch a basketball game but I guess he was thinking it was in Hawaii.
We picked up Grannymom and Grandpa and headed on down the road. The first stop was in Ozark for a brief potty stop and then on to Robby's grandparents' house. The kids enjoyed walking around the pond and through the house. We have jokingly mentioned that we were going to move up there so Campbell made sure that she called which bedroom she wanted.
We walked down the road through the field and took a few pictures before heading on the Fayetteville. We stopped to get a bit of supper at McDonalds before Robby dropped us off at the stadium.
The trip to the game was Grannymom's birthday present and even though we were pretty high up, we had nice seats. We weren't too crowded and even arrived just before the start of the game.
There was lots to see during the game and all my kiddos, including Reagan, enjoyed cheering on the hogs. It didn't take long for Whitman to learn how to call the Hogs and Keaton and Campbell had signs to hold up.
About 10 minutes into the game, I could tell that Whitman was getting very heavy and soon he was sound asleep in my lap. He snoozed until I woke him up in the middle of the second half. I didn't want for him to miss the entire game.
When the game was over, we pottied and then went down near the court. The girls found pom poms and the boys saw the players coming out. They were able to get 2 signatures and were on cloud nine as we left.
We stopped only one on the way home which was surprising since I passed out food and drinks the entire time that we were heading home. Everyone was great in the car but they were pretty tired when we did make it home. We quickly moved everyone on upstairs and into their pjs. I am sure that my crew is pretty exhausted!

February 17, 2017

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My fort sleepers all slept until 7 this morning so that was a good thing. Graham reported that Keaton was cold so he had to lay by her with his blankets. Anderson and Reagan also said that they were cold during the night. I am not too sure why people would have been cold-they had every single blanket in this house in their fort. Reaga was sleeping by the front door so she is the ony one that possibly would have been chilled. Robby even kept the heater blaring towards the tent.
Everyone started stirring arond 7:30 and the kids were pretty calm. I think that they were trying to be quiet so I would forget about school. It would have been nice since everyone was happily playing their ipads in the fort.
I broke the news to the kids over breakfast that after school, we would be taking the fort down and cleaning up downstairs. They seemed a bit fine with that but people would lament each time part of the fort fell down. Graham or Anderson would try to fix it and I would remind them to start back on their school work since we were going to tear it down anyway.
Around 11:30, we started on picking up the house and then around 12:30, I called Nonna to let her know that we were about to bring Whitman over and I casually mentiond that we hadn't had any lunch. She took the hint and heated up some tortillas for our lunch.
We ate and then I and a few kids walked over to Beebee's house. We snopped around during the estate sale and I left with a new motivation to clean out around here. I tried to convince Robby for us to just move into an RV after selling all of our stuff. He didn't really go for my idea but did buy a lottery ticket for me so maybe the RV idea isn't complete out of the question.
Whitman spent the night at Nonna's house tonight and even ate at David's Burgers. He was pretty happy to see us go this afternoon when we left him with Nonna. Then we ran to the library to pick out a few books.
When we made it home this afternoon, the kids played some outside and then migrated inside to watch a movie. We loaded up and ate at Mexico Chiquito. It was pretty good and the kids were thrilled with the gallon of punch that Robby bought for our table. We were never brought cups to go with the punch and only had our waters. So the kids had to guzzle their huge cup full of water before Robby was able to pour them some punch-I do expect to be washing some sheets in the morning!
When we made it home, the kids had showers and then had a bit of time before bed. Anderson and Graham had spent some of the afternoon and a bit of the evening working on a video trailer. They were pretty proud of themselves and it is pretty neat. I believe that Robby has put it on the blog so you will see it near the pictures. Maybe they have a future in film making!

February 16, 2017

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On my first walk through the living room this morning, I was stopped so I could help construct a fort. The boys saw a fort yesterday at Noah's house and Graham was working hard on his fort early, early this morning.
Whitman had already claimed himself a spot in the fort and was planning on staying there all day long. I wasn't too sure if he was going to be happy about going to school but when I mentioned putting on his clothes, he ran as quick as he could to my room to get ready.
I picked Keaton up from her bed and soon she was getting dressed too. By this time, I was having a hard time getting anyone to do anything this morning since everyone was distracted with the fort. By far, this is the best fort we have had in our house-and I do believe that the current plan tonight is for them to sleep in it (wish us all luck.)
Robby took Keaton and Whitman off to school and the rest of us started on school work. Graham spent most of school time (and most of the other time that he has been inside today) in the fort.
School went find this morning though my Campbell seemed to take forever. She was wildly distracted with the fort in the living room. We were able to do our history and science this morning while in the tent.
Then we played a game of Uno. Anderson was the winner and claimed the family game trophy from Campbell's desk. After the game was over, Keaton and Whitman arrived home and I was soon putting lunch on the plates.
After lunch, everyone helped clean up the house and finished what was left of their school work. Then the kids watched some tv until they saw the neighbors came out. Then everyone jumped outside and stayed out until almost 5:30.
Whitman was inside most of the time and once he came to me and told me that he needed someone to lay beside him. I got up and followed him. Then I laid down beside him. He looked at me and said, "Not a big person, I need a little person to lay by me." I had to fetch his bears since he didn't want my company while watching his movie.
When they all came inside, the kids took their showers and then it was supper time. Robby made lo mein noodles which they love at pei wei but not so much tonight. It was just a bag of noodles but was definitely not a winner with them. I thought it was fine though.
Robby ran to the store to pick up some ice cream for a snack since Reagan traded in a tiny slip of paper that she received in an Easter egg last year. He was excited about the excuse because he was able to also get him a treat while out.
Robby returned with 6 cartons of ice cream. The kids had their choice of ice cream and then everyone settled into the living room to watch a movie. Well, Reagan opted for a movie in my bedroom. Afterwards, it was finally bed time-or might I say fort time.
Everyone opted to sleep in the fort-yes, it is a pretty big one. Reagan and Graham are sleeping on the tile floor but with the slew of blankets that they have under them, it is probably cozier than their mattresses. Robby left the heater on in there so I know that they will be nice and snuggly. We will just see how long it all lasts-I did lay down a few blankets in my room in case anyone shows up in here in the middle of the night.

February 15, 2017

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We were up and movie fairly early this morning since at 7:01, all kinds of commotion started happening upstairs. It was craziness-people were running, girls were screaming, Graham was shouting. I had indeed told Robby that I wanted to wake up a minute or two earlier this morning but this was not exactly the way that I had imagined.
Everyone put on their clothes and my girls all wore their cute little shirts. Robby started on the trash and dishes while I made the kids breakfast and packed their lunches. The kids helped with cleaning the potties and some folding the laundry. After I finished folding the laundry during breakfast, the kids put it up and we were soon heading out of the house for Bible study.
Whitman can not get into his class fast enough and I can't say enough nice things about his little teachers. They sent him a Valentine card and inside was a picture with 4 little different colored chubby toddler hands on their Bible-cutest thing ever.
Now my Campbell also has the sweetest teachers ever but she is in a room with kindergartners and only a few first graders. She hangs by the door when I drop her off and you can tell that she just wants to be with bigger kids.
After Bible study, we all headed to Candice's park to play. It was warm on the church parking lot but it was a bit breezy at the park. The kids didn't care because they were running around playing chase. I think that some of my people never even stopped to eat lunch.
Anderson and Graham went home with the Kamps and I didn't offer to take anyone else home with me. When we came home, the girls, Whitman and I picked up the garage and then distributed toilet paper to all of the bathrooms in the house. Afterwards, the girls spent some time karaoke-ing and lots of time watching tv.
It didn't take too long for the afternoon to be over and soon we were heating up soup for supper. Then it was off to church for Wednesday night activities. I know the big boys and Campbell all had a cookie for their Valentine snack, Keaton and Whitman had a cupcake and I am not too sure if Reagan's group had anything in it or not.
At home, we continued the snacking and had one more little snack before bedtime. The kids had their showers, ate their snack, brushed teeth and then instead of heading to bed, turned that karaoke machine back on upstairs and started belting out choir songs with their new practice cd.

February 14, 2017-Happy Valentine's Day

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I had set my alarm for 7 this morning thinking that it would help me get on up-it didn't. I jumped up at the usual time and started waking up my little people. The big boys were already awake and had already noticed their Valentine's Day goodies laying on the bar.
After waking up the girls and grabbing another Valentine shirt for Keaton, I went to wake up Whitman. He wasn't to anxious to wake up until we reminded him that his Valentine's party was this morning.
For our Valentine's breakfast, I toasted bagels for everyone. I have my weekly bagel on Wednesday but the kids all turn their noises up at mine since it is cinnamon raisin. Robby bought them some plain bagels and we slathered them with butter and cream cheese. Everyone seemed to enjoy them-except Whitman who ended up going to school with just a few bites of breakfast.
We sent Keaton and Whitman off to school and the rest of us started on another round of speed school. I was again able to finish everything that I needed to with the kids-checking math, fixing mistakes, spelling with everyone, English with everyone (Anderson learned about comma splices today-I wish I could say that I already knew what that was but I did not) writing with the boys and reading with Campbell. Also, I was able to throw the dishes out of the dishwasher and fold laundry before jumping in the car myself.
Robby was working from home today and was on a call all day long so the kids had to be super quiet. I am pretty sure that they finished their school, did their chores (they did them well since they knew I was checking when I arrived home) and then started playing on their ipads.
When I made it to school, Whitman was walking with his class and then he came and sat down in just like Ms. Jennifer said. I am always surprised to see him obeying but he did really well....except for the one time one of his classmates was having a fit. Whitman put his hands over his ears and shouted, "can you keep it down?" Or later, he was hugging the girl in front of him and said, "I love you so much" while he was blowing kisses at her. I had to remind him that we only kiss our sisters-I know that doesn't sound exactly right but he can't be kissing on his classmates.
First, his class had cupcakes and then they passed out Valentines. Next up were games-a heart walk (like a cake walk) and Whitman sure knew how to play that game. Then they punched holes in a cup filled with candy. Then the final game was walking with candy hearts on a spoon. He was pretty proud of his bag of candy and Keaton could not wait to get to Grannymom's house to help Whitman go through his loot.
I came back home and cleaned up our school stuff and then made grilled cheese for lunch. Robby did gave me my Valentine gift-notebooks, pencils, candy along with my yearly Valentine calendar. The kids finished their chores while I did a few more things before working with Graham to rebuild a lego something or another-I am not even sure what we are building; I just know that finding tiny lego pieces in a bucket full of grey pieces can make a person loose their mind.
Before long, it was time to pick up Keaton and Whitman. Campbell rode along with me and chatted the whole drive while I fought the rain. Once at home, everyone had a few minutes before I heated up some roll ups for supper.
Then we packed into the car and headed out for our mystery evening. It wasn't that much of a mystery after I whispered to Whitman where we were going. They quickly got the info out of him but weren't too sure their source was reliable. We didn't have to go far and soon were pulling into the movie theater parking lot.
We watched the Lego movie. I think that this was Whitman's first movie but it was all of the kids first time to sit in those fancy dancy recliners. We kept the popcorn full and the drink refilled so everyone was perfectly happy during the cute little movie.
After the movie was over, it was pouring outside. Robby was going to get the car but everyone seemed to want to get wet so we all took off across the parking lot. We were soaked when we climbed in and headed home for pjs and bed. It was a pretty great Valentine's Day.

February 13, 2017

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At 11:50, I was woken when someone was walking around upstairs. Then I could hear footsteps in the kitchen opening the fridge. I figured it was Reagan but I couldn't tell if she was getting water or sneaking a drink of coke.
Later at 3:30 this morning, I again was woken up with someone walking above my head. Then I heard Keaton shouting, "Momma, I don't feel good." When I made it upstairs, she was hugging the potty crying, "I want to go to school." I assured her that school was many, many hours away.
We sat there for a bit and she never did get sick. I brought her down to our room and she was soon sound asleep and slept all night long. I am not sure why that child gets sick so often-this is only the second time this year but gracious. The first thing that I did this morning was to write down what she ate yesterday so I could have a record of it.
Robby dropped Whitman off at Nonna's house and then took Keaton to school. He came home to work from here while I did speed school with the kids. I only had until 10:10 before I had to leave. We managed to get most everything in before I sped off to school.
Ms Stacy has 12 kids in her class and most everyone had one or two parents there so it was a pretty crowded classroom. The kids had cookies and then it was time for a few games-Keaton's favorite was bingo which she finally won.
Then it was time to pass out Valentines. This wasn't too hard since they just went down the line stuffing Valentines in bags. Keaton brought the take home treats so she was happy to get to pass them out and then it was time to head home.
I dropped Keaton off at Nonna's house so she could get her grandma time in for the day. Then I rushed back home to check a day's worth of school work. I was about to work on lunch when I called someone to ask about their sandwhich choice and Robby told me that they were already outside.
That was fine so I sat and did some work on the computer before finally making lunch around 1. The kids spent most of the afternoon outside playing. The neighbors weren't out too much but my people still found things to do outside. I did have to kick Reagan out since she could stay inside and watch movies all day long.
Whitman asked to walk to the neighbors house with Graham so I let him go but before long they were all back in our yard playing. The kids played until the neighbors went home and once everyone came in, it was shower time.
Robby had made potato soup and it was steaming hot. That and the cornbread muffins made everyone happy. After we all ate, the kids worked on a bit of tomorrow's school while Robby and I cleaned the kitchen.
Then we all gathered in the living room to watch the movie Enchanted. I made cookies for dessert and we barely finished them by the time the movie was over. The kids had a bit of time to read before lights out tonight-here's hoping for being able to sleep all night tonight!

February 12, 2017

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People were moving around here early this morning. It often sounds like the kids have invited friends over in the morning- because it is so incredible noise. I am not sure why they seem so much noisier in the morning than any other time of day but gracious me, we might just have to buy earplugs to sleep in. (I can think of some other times that I could happily wear earplugs as well but that probably isn't blog worthy.)
Robby fed the kids leftover pancakes for breakfast this morning. That is how many pancakes they brought home-enough to feed everyone one more time. We had quite the difficulty finding Graham's jeans this morning. I finally went upstairs to look and decided to have Robby check and see if Anderson had on his brother's pants. Anderson did have on an older pair of jeans that were now too short so he had to change but those were not Graham's pants. Then I found another pair in Anderson's drawer which I made Graham put on. After much complaints from him, I decided that those were not his either since they were too long. So back upstairs I went looking in all of the drawers and closet one more time. I had just thought that I better check the girls' drawers when I found those jeans. I understand why people fall asleep during church-I could have since I was physically exhausted from the jean search and mentally exhausted from trying to keep all with all of these people and their pants.
Church today and our little church lady had another bag of Valentine goodies for us. Gracious me, I want to grow up and be a sweet little old lady. The kids couldn't wait to get home and eat her gift and to eat the candy from Nonna's valentines that she gave them.
We had our lunch at Nonna's house and then walked to Beebee's house to inspect the work for the estate sale. Whitman was with us and Beebee and Papaw have never been at their house since he was born so he has rarely been over there. Currently, it looks like a garage sale is about to happen and after a bit of looking around, he grabbed my hand and said, "I don't like this store."
This afternoon the kids played and watched movies while Robby and I dozed. All too soon it was time to head to church tonight. I took Whitman to class and when church was almost out, I ran down to pick him up...and there he sat out in the hallway with a teacher and in trouble. That boy! He wouldn't listen when they told him to stop sliding down the slide so close to other kids. I told them "no" and ended up in much deserved trouble. When he was out in the hall, he was told that he could go back to play on the playground if he put on his shoes and he made no attempt at that...probably because I always just put his shoes on him and it is doubtful that he can do it. I did make him apologize which he did but just in a mumbled, silly voice.
After the church and Whitman's behavior, we needed a treat so we ate supper tonight at Arbys. I do think it is one of my favorite fast food places and the kids would probably agree. Once we made it home, it was time to pick up, put on pjs, brush teeth and then go to bed. The kids all had some time to color and read tonight which I often think is their favorite time of the day.

February 11, 2017

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At 6:59 this morning, our door crashed open and in came Whitman. He climbed into bed with us and was quite for a few minutes but soon he was pretend snoring and asking about a movie. I sent him to the living room to ask his brothers to help him get a movie and off he went.
About 20 minutes later, Campbell came in the room. Bless, that child can't be quiet at all. Her whisper seems like a yell in the morning time. Robby later said that he slept until she came in so I guess he completely slept through Whitman talking to us.
It took the girls and me a bit to get ourselves ready but all it took was seconds for the boys to put on their clothes when Robby told the boys they were going out for breakfast. Even Whitman ran to get on his clothes.
The boys had a big morning which began with huge pancakes at Ozark Smokehouse. Robby said they brought home more pancakes than they ate. Afterwards, they went to Reservoir park for a bit to play.
Their final stop was Walmart to buy new underwear for all the boys and a new shopvac for Robby. The underwear situation was becoming dire. For some reason, Whitman's supply was low-though he has zillions of ones that he will not wear. He seems to like boxer briefs like the rest of the people here and will not wear those cute whitey tighties with pictures on the backside. Graham says his didn't fit and Anderson was down to only two pairs and with his brother snatching one of those constantly, I am pretty sure that people have been going underwearless around here.
After everyone had proper undergarments, they went to pick up Keaton from Grannymom and Grandpa's house. She had a big night-supper at Chick Fil A, painted some Russian dolls which she said took forever to paint, ate popcorn and had orange juice for breakfast.
Campbell, Reagan and I had Woven at church. It was a mother-daughter event. Before I knew it, the girls were raising my hand and I was up on stage competing in a game-I didn't win. Later before lunch, Reagan was also on stage and that girl didn't win either. We both really wanted to win one of the prizes but it just didn't work out. I am going to have her work on the game she played so she will be an expert. Her game was the one where you put an oreo on your forehead and have to wiggle your face to get the cooking into your mouth.
After the introduction, we headed to our workshops. We had picked the sewing one (though I was pretty interested in the cookie decorating one and the calligraphy one, I already know how to do the stencil painting). First we picked out our materials and cut out our letters. Then we ironed them on-by this time, I was woefully behind on my (Keaton's) shirt.
Once the ironing was done, it was time to start stitching the letters on-this is what took so long....all evening to be exact. We ended up having to take our shirts to finish and I was the one who did them. Campbell couldn't push the needle through the thread and Reagan, bless, sewing just isn't her thing. She needs more practice but doesn't really care about practicing. Once I had asked her if she wanted a sewing machine like her cousin and she laughed out loud at that idea.
We gathered our supplies to take home and then headed to lunch and the program. We picked turkey sandwiches for lunch but I also sampled the pimento cheese. When everything was over, we headed home and the boys and Keaton were all outside playing.
That is where all of the kids spent their afternoon-outside. Robby cleaned out the cars and garage. I helped him while running around the house straightening up a few things. Once we had finished our outside work, we came in-to work more on the girls shirts.
When everyone came in, the kids started their showers while I worked on manicotti for supper. It took a while for me to get it all ready but it was pretty good when we finally ate. The kids did the laundry while Robby and I cleaned the kitchen. Then they started the Finding Dory movie while I finished the shirts which are adorable and took a shower. (I really want to do the same thing on a bag (Robby says I need no more bags) or an apron.)
The evening flew by quickly especially since we were busy passing out popcorn and watching the movie. My people weren't too tired tonight but gracious, sewing it tough and I'm beat!

February 10, 2017

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Reagan and Graham were working on their school work this morning before I even got myself out of bed. Campbell took care of waking up Keaton and Whitman today and brought them down to our bedroom.
Soon we were eating breakfast. We haven't had yogurt in a while and I was quite surprised that we were almost able to finish off a whole big container of yogurt in just one sitting. What in the world will we do when they are all teenagers at once?
Everyone started on school-Graham and Reagan were done in lightening speed. It seemed like everyone did spend time with Keaton or Whitman today. Anderson and Campbell read to him as part of their school and Graham worked with Keaton on counting. They got to about 25 and Keaton stopped like it was the end of the numbers and got up and left the room. Maybe that is as high as they count at school or maybe that is as high as she has ever heard me count. I had thought that maybe they could work on counting to a hundred but she was gone before I could even say anything else.
My part of the school day was finished early this morning and I had worked with everyone by 10ish. That gave me plenty of time to finish a few chores and pull school work out for next week (it seems to be a never ending process.) A bit after 11, we began our science and history.
Today our history was about Ezekiel and they suggested that you flatten our a piece of bread like a scroll and eat it-just as he ate a scroll in the Bible. That sounded neat and I was about to suggest it when I remembered that we had no bread in this house! We continued working on our leftovers for lunch plus I made some pigs in a blanket.
Afterwards, we worked on picking up this place and then everyone pretty much laid low until Grannymom and Grandpa came over to pick up Keaton. She had been packed since before 9 this morning and had really thought through everything that she wanted to bring-her mermaid blanket, colored pens, paper so she didn't have to use Grannymoms, a coat for in case they walked Wilson and popcorn to eat for a snack.
Once they had left, the kids watched a few movies but before long they were outside. Whitman was happy watching his movie in my bedroom so I got on the treadmill. After a while, he came upstairs with me and was pretty interested in my Rachel Ray tv show. At one point, I heard Campbell calling me so I stopped and heard her ask, "Is Whitman with you?" I guess she had walked through downstairs and didn't see him so she thought she better check. I tell you, I am so glad that my crew takes such good care of each other.
The kids were outside playing when Robby came home, so we just decided to eat at home. Graham and Anderson had hamburgers, Whitman had a corn dog, Campbell had chicken tortillas and Reagan shared sweet and sour chicken with me (from a bag but still pretty decent.)
Robby and Campbell then ran to the grocery store while the rest of us hung out on the couch. When they returned, we ate some ice cream and then watched a few Innovation Nation tv shows before bedtime. Whitman fell asleep while watching the show and I was close behind him but soon the shows were over and it was bedtime.

February 9, 2017

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You know that it is a big day around here when the girls are all already awake in the morning. When I went to wake up Keaton, not only were they awake but they were also making their beds and straightening their room. The boys were awake too but they weren't thinking about anything that they girls were concerned with.
By the time Whitman and Keaton were dressed and ready, it was time to go so they had to eat their breakfast on the way to school this morning. The rest of the kiddos grabbed their breakfasts and we started on our school work.
We pretty much flew through our school work today and since we didn't do our science and history at 11, we started on cleaning up the house. Anderson still had some school work to do so the rest of us went to work cleaning.
Keaton had a fun day at school but Whitman had a super big time-a fireman came and talked to his class. He had on his NYFD t-shirt and told us all about the fireman. As soon as they were in the house, we started on our lunch. We had just finished our lunch when our guests started arriving.
The first thing that happened this morning was a orchestrated by the kids. Reagan and Anderson had made a Fishing for Candy game to play today. She didn't want to do it so Campbell took over and helped Anderson. Graham also made a Pin the Heart on the Mailbox game for everyone to play. The boys had gathered candy to pass out to each player and most of the little kids played. I think that my boys were pretty pleased with themselves for having their own activity.
Jodee brought candy hearts for the kids to count and graph. I was helping Keaton and Jodee was helping Whitman and those two little ones quickly figured out the worksheet with just a bit of help. Then we played a few rounds of Valentine bingo. Next up were the reports and this month's topic was Famous Duos. We went alphabetically by the topic of their reports so my Campbell was the first Dennie to go. Her report was about Adam and Eve and she did really well reading all of her paragraphs.
Anderson was the next Dennie and his report was about Ben and Jerry and was pretty proud to pass out samples of Ben and Jerry's ice cream to eat while they listened to his report.
Next up was my Whitman. This was his first oral report to do. I was pretty worried that he was going to stand up there and be silly but that child did wonderful. I could not have imagined him doing any better. He held his poster and said his Jack and Jill rhyme perfectly.
Then we had Graham was Joe Montana and Jerry Rice. He was pretty happy about being able to end his report with a clip from youtube showing Joe Montana throw a touchdown pass to Jerry Rice.
Keaton had a pretty hard report this time-anytime you have to say sodium chloride and you are 5 it is pretty difficult. Her report was about Salt and Pepper and she did really well with her sister sitting beside her.
Reagan was the last of the Dennies to go and her report was about Tom and Jerry. She had cut out little Toms and Jerrys and had people hold them during her report.
When all of the reports were finished, it was finally Valentine time. The kids had all worked hard on their Valentines and were so excited to pass them out. We passed them out by the month of the kids birthdays. Once they were all passed out, the kids had a few pieces of candy but then we kicked them outside.
My crew stayed outside even after everyone else left since the neighbors were then outside playing. They had a great day and by the end of the day, they were tired-Keaton and Whitman were pretty whiny.
When they came inside, everyone started on their showers and them we watched a few shows before we finally worked on supper. We had an auction for supper-Robby pulled out all of the leftovers plus some new options and then called out a chore. If you were willing to do that chore, then you would get first choice.
Graham was the first one to call his supper for the price of folding all of the laundry tomorrow. He picked fried eggs and bacon. The next few Dennie's picked the same thing so I was working like a short order cook. Reagan read a chapter from the Bible to everyone while Robby and I cooked. We did clean up quite a few of our leftovers and soon the kids were eating jellos and apples for their desserts.
Since we had eaten supper pretty late, we had time to watch one short movie before bedtime. The kids had a bit of time to read and color in their beds before lights out. Keaton said that she wasn't going to color tonight because she was going to rest up for Grannymom's house tomorrow night. She also said that she is always tired there at night time and her eyes always blink. Robby told her that she was smart for going on to sleep and she was telling everyone that her daddy said that she was smart.

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