Adventures in Dennieland...: 07/01/2017

July 31, 2017

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Graham was the only Dennie awake this morning. I had to wake everyone else up for them to get started on their school work. I hate doing that but I knew that we didn't have a very long time at home today.
Everyone was fine with beginning their school work and I thought everyone had breakfast until around 11 when Keaton asked if she could have breakfast. Now, don't feel too sorry for her because most mornings she not only gets her own breakfast but also makes sure that Whitman has his.
Today was the first day that everyone has their full load of school (except for their CBS Bible study which will come in a few weeks.) Everyone did great even though Anderson and Campbell weren't finished until this afternoon. I was a bit relieved because I was still able to work with everyone individually before our big work together time.
After that, we all threw on our bathing suits and worked on picking up the house and loading up the car. We met all of the buddies at the pool at 1 and we even picked up Lilly. The kids had a blast and played really well the first house.
Today is the first day that I have thought that Anderson is improving. Now, he did just swim the first hour that we were there-he said that the water was cold, and it was. He has assured me that he does feel much better so maybe I won't haul him off to the doctor tomorrow as planned. Now, Keaton continues to cough, like Anderson, and I thought that she was better until Robby felt her tonight at bedtime and thought that maybe she had fever again. Reagan has also come down with the bug-she was burning up at supper. She must have felt really bad because she even took some Tylenol without too much complaints.
After the pool, we ran home and the kids showered and then finished their chores and school. I sewed for a minute and even vacuumed the living room. Graham, Keaton, Whitman and Campbell had a big nerf gun war upstairs while we heated up leftovers for supper.
Afterwards, Robby and I worked on the kitchen floor (it was filthy) and then everyone had some downtime before we settled down to watch a Bates before bedtime.

July 30, 2017

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Sunday morning and someone climbed in our bed this morning. I am not sure who it was though-I think it might have been Keaton. Yes, it was. When she came downstairs she did bring her dress and lay it in the floor before climbing in bed with us.
Whitman was in our room soon after wanting a poptart. He calls this his "snacky breakfast." I held him off until after my shower which meant that my shower was taken with him on the other side of the door saying, "are you done yet?" over and over again.
I at least had my clothes on when I started breakfast making and hair combing. It is a wonder that I can ever get myself clothed and hair combed on mornings that we have to leave. Campbell picked out a cute shirt and had on jeans with holes in both knees so I told her she needed to find some jeans with less holes. She came back downstairs with jeans with a hole in one knee. She was not pleased when I asked her to look for a pair with no holes at all so she opted for a dress.
Today was my last Sunday to teach since we will be out next week and afterwards, we stayed for big church. Robby and Campbell even stayed after that for her Sunday school classes end of the year party. We all could have stayed but we didn't want to overwhelm everyone.
The rest of us headed over to Nonna and Pops' house for lunch. Nonna even had a birthday cake cupcake to end Graham's birthday celebrations. He has talked about his party all day today and has enjoyed tearing into his presents.
He was pretty anxious to leave Nonna's house, after he finished working some of his legos with Jason. He wanted to go home and work on putting together his pull up bar. Graham and I worked on the pull up bar and had it ready go when Robby came inside. They took it upstairs and hung it up and apparently, not any folks in this family can do a pull up! I think that I shall practice that skill every time I walk into the bonus room.
The rest of the afternoon was pretty lazy-as in, I took a nap, Robby did some work and the kids watched movies. Keaton did lay down beside me and after a few good coughing spells went right on to sleep and I think I have now designated her as my new naptime buddy.
After 4, we loaded up and headed to the pool. The kids swam until 7-well, everyone, except Whitman who was sound asleep from the drive over, swam the first hour. Then Whitman and Campbell were the only ones who swam the entire second hour. The water was cold and the wind was blowing which made for a pretty chilly swim!
At 7, we loaded up and headed home for showers. I pulled out supper and soon the Wilsons for over to help us finish off our leftovers from last night. The kids played some board games and Robby and Tony ended up leaving for a movie. Shannon and her kids left around 10 so I shoved my kids into bed and started folding mounds of laundry that I have let pile up this weekend!
Illness update: Keaton is still coughing like a maniac but feels fine. Anderson acts puny-ish but when I asked him if he felt better, this was the first time that he said, "yes." So maybe everyone is on the mend!

July 29, 2017-Happy 9th Birthday Graham!

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Keaton and Campbell were in our room right after 7. We moved over and they were soon sound asleep with us. Whitman wasn't too far behind and he did not go back to sleep and was very concerned that Keaton and Campbell were not awake.
It didn't take too long this morning for Robby to pull out the pancake stuff and soon we were singing Happy Birthday to Birthday Boy Graham. We put a candle on his pancake and sang away.
I ran around the kitchen for a few minutes and then helped everyone make their beds. They always fuss a bit when I make them clean their upstairs when no one at all is going to come upstairs. It is still nice to climb into a freshly made bed in a clean room.
Robby, Keaton, Campbell, Whitman and I left to make our Saturday grocery run. We bought some ale chicken along with butter and eggs. Then it was on to Sams to pick up Graham's cupcakes. Those turkeys at Sams messed our order up though-we had ordered all vanilla, just as Graham had asked, but we got chocolate and vanilla. Not a big deal but still frustrating.
Then we rushed back home and I had time to ice my brownies (I had planned on doing that earlier in the morning but we were out-out of butter-I usually have a stash in a freezer but sure couldn't find any this morning.) Then it was back in the car for everyone and we headed to Nonna's house. We dropped off the kids just as Reagan and Nonna were coming back in from their shopping adventure. Reagan had spent the night over there and had a fun evening (she ate her favorite-steak) and fun morning (doughnuts).
Robby and I headed to Brown's restaurant to meet some of his church buddies that he graduated with including their old youth minister. The food was fine and afterwards everyone headed to Toms for a bit to look at some old pictures. All of those people were a bit older than I was but I did find myself in some of the pictures.
We left a bit early to hurry home to get a few things done. Robby jumped on the lawnmower and I threw all of my cold stuff into dishes, covered them and put them back in the fridge. Then I ran to Nonna's house to pick up everyone. Graham was ready to get home to get started on his party prep.
I sent Anderson to bed for a short nap while the rest of us headed outside. We picked up sticks on the kickball field and then started dragging out chairs and tables for the party. Robby had a spray paint crew going and they quickly painted the baselines. Then it was time to put on table cloths, hang signs and do all of that last minute stuff.
I ran in to change clothes (put on my kickball clothes) and watch my oven hoping that my food would warm quickly. At one point, I walked by the window and saw Robby struggling with his lower-it wasn't moving. Another one (mower) bites the dust. Hopefully this one will be an easy fix (though it didn't prove to be too easy tonight when we tried to work on it.) I went out and we struggled to push the 4 ton (seemed like it) tractor into the garage.
Robby ran in and showered just as our fist guests began arriving. The Hawkins, Wilsons, Penningtons, and Corsers all came along with the grands and Jason. Dana even arrived with her crew from the beach just in time for the first kick.
We had taco salad and all of the fixings. The table was absolutely full of food and it all tasted pretty good. I always think that food taste better when you eat it outside. We signed up to play and soon the teams were being announced.
I tried to even out the teams just as well as we could but unfortunately, my team got whooped. Graham was on the winning team and my losing team mates didn't seem to mind too badly. After 2 innings we stopped for a popsicle break but I tell you, the weather could not have been more perfect. It was almost a fall-ish night.
We then played 3 more inning and during those innings my team seemed to get things together but it was too little too late. At the end of those innings, we sang to Graham and ate our cupcakes. Afterwards, he opened his presents and racked up-lots of cash, gift cards, legos, a nerf gun and what will probably be his favorite-a pull up bar.
After presents, it was still light so we played one more inning. This time we had the same teams but started a new game and ended the evening with a tie. Would could be better than that? Graham had a wonderful time at his birthday party and tonight he was already telling me who he wanted on his birthday kickball team next year.
Everyone helped us pick up (Grannymom, Nonna and Pops had already unloaded my dishwasher, reloaded it and filled my fridge up with all of the leftovers). So it didn't take too long for us to clean up from the party. We shooed the kids in to take their showers and Graham made sure that he had time to display his presents by the fireplace.
We gave Anderson his meds tonight (he felt well enough to play tonight which I think was great but he is still moving slow and would sit down some even during the game. But he had done little to nothing the past week and has felt miserable so I am sure he is a bit weak. He has until Tuesday to be his "perky" (ha!) self again or he is headed back to the doc.) Keaton and Anderson both did their breathers before bed and hopefully that will keep them from coughing for a bit.

July 28, 2017

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Whitman was in our bed early this morning and he laid quietly until I got up. As soon as I climbed out of bed, he did too and was anxious to put on his new Razorback shirt. When Graham saw that he brother had on a jersey, he was quick to run upstairs and put on one too.
I had to wake Reagan up this morning but everyone else was up early enough to grab their breakfast and play on their ipads for a bit before we started on school.
School again went smoothly today which is kind of shocks me every single day. Now, don't get me wrong-there is nothing more stressful in my day than our school hours. People are constantly asking me question, handing me things to check, needing my help along with the stress that I alone am responsible for educating these people-all of this, can kind of make me crazy.
Robby took Whitman for a few errands while we were finishing up our science and history. Then it was chore time before lunch. Now, my kids slack on chores most of the time but when we are about to have a party at the house, they all really get to work.
We had our lunch and Reagan and I had just finished checking her math (oh my, I am going to have to start doing her math myself so I can understand it-the word problems are starting to be over my head these days.) when Nonna came to pick her up. Reagan spent the night with Nonna and Pops. I am sure that she had a great time and probably ended up having Nonna take her shopping.
The rest of us did a bit of work in the kitchen-Graham helped make one batch of brownies for tomorrow and then Campbell and Keaton helped me make the next batch. Then I started on 2 of 4 bags of rice along with pounds of refried beans.
I do feel like Anderson is feeling some better, possibly. He did go upstairs to play the xbox today which he usually has rarely left his chair the past few days. He is coughing more which could be a good thing since he needs to cough all of that stuff up. Keaton is also crazy coughing today and even had some fever tonight so we shall see, hopefully there won't be another doctor's appointment in the future for us.
Robby took Graham to Blaze pizza for a little birthday dinner while I headed over to the Wilsons with supper for the rest of us. We had hot dogs, sausage burgers, chips and rice krispy treats. The kids played upstairs along with quite a few card games. We, the grownups, sat outside for a bit. Whitman fell asleep pretty early and slept from 7 on-he did wake up on the way home but seemed still when we tucked him in. We haven't heard him so surely he went on to sleep!

July 27, 2017

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Day 490 of sick kids or so it seems. Thankfully, all that is wrong with my babies will be quickly fixed with some time and antibiotics. I did take Anderson and Keaton to the doctor this afternoon. Keaton, as we guessed, is just fine. She does still have her cough and even had fever tonight but no need for meds for her. Anderson had one infected ear, iffy lungs and was wheezing a bit. He was given some medicine and a Sonic drink and hopefully, will be on the mend soon.
School this morning went well. Graham was the only one awake this morning but by the time I made it upstairs, Anderson and Whitman were the only ones still in bed. Anderson was already stirring so I tried to quietly wake him up while letting Whitman sleep for a bit longer-it didn't work.
Everyone started in on school and things went pretty good today. Now, each of the kids have about 2 things that they have not added to their list of school work. We might just be able to survive this next school year.
After school, we had our lunch and the kids started on their chores. I kind of have been lax on chores this week since I know that tomorrow we have to get this house spic and span for Graham's party on Saturday.
At 2:00, we jumped in the car for the doctor's visit and by the time that we made it home, my kids were out along with the neighbors. They played until after 6 when they finally came in for supper and showers. Anderson played out for a minute before coming in-my hope is that he will feel much better by Saturday.
At the last minute, I convinced Shannon to go with me to a dinner out for a focus group type thing. The food was good, dessert was good but the salad that I had was great. I ate every bit-but I guess when anything is topped with nuts and bacon, it has to be good.
We didn't get home until after 8 but did enjoy some of Robby's s'mores dip. Soon afterwards we began doping everyone up and sending the kids to bed.

July 26, 2017

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Another night of Keaton coming to our room in the middle of the night. Each time sweet Campbell has brought her downstairs. Keaton has told me both times that her stomach hurts but she doesn't have to go to the bathroom or get sick, so I think it is more that she just feels bad and doesn't know how to say that or possibly she knows that I will for sure let her stay in my room if she says that her tummy hurts. Either way, she comes in, I make a pallet and she is out pretty quick and sleeps until someone wakes her up in the morning.
My Anderson had his leftover Chick-Fi-lA shake out this morning and at one point during the day, I was pretty sure that he was getting better. He played pretty hard at the pool most of the time but said that he couldn't go under because he was coughing and couldn't hold his breath very long. Tonight he had fever again and coughed most of the afternoon so yep, doctor's appointments for everyone tomorrow.
We went to the pool at 10 this morning so we didn't have time to go to school but we did do all of our together work this morning. Usually at the end of the year, we are lagging in science and history so hopefully these extra days this summer will help us later on. And I enjoy our work together quite a bit-science this year might just be okay and history is pretty interesting so far, even though the sections are much longer than last year.
We were at the pool when it opened and we were the only ones-along with our buddies-9 little girls and 1 little boy. Everyone Reagan, Anderson and Graham's ages are all at camp but they still had fun with the littles today. When I said that it was time to go after 3 and a half hours of swimming, they didn't want to.
We rushed home and Keaton and Campbell through on other clothes and headed to the Maumelle library to see Elsa and Anna. They had a blast listening to the Frozen sisters sing and read a few stories.
The afternoon kind of drug by around here. I did everything that I could think of except walk on the treadmill. I did accomplish a few little things but nothing major. Robby made it home with supper. Everyone ate and afterwards, he went outside to mow some.
Robby mowed until dark while I ran kids through the showers. Then we watched a School House Rocks video while I baked a few cookies. The kids ate those up and as soon as the video was over, everyone went to bed. They are already quiet upstairs-I am sure they are all exhausted!

July 25, 2017

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Keaton and Anderson are still battling fever. My Anderson today hasn't eaten that much all day. He started off this morning with one pop tart-that is unheard of around here. At lunch, he asked for a cheese stick and I would usually say no since those are mainly for snacks but I let him eat whatever he would want.
He says that his throat doesn't hurt to badly but Grannymom did suggest that he gargle. When he mentioned it to me, I quickly got him some salty water. Bless, he didn't get very far-maybe he gargled once or twice before giving up. He told me that he swallowed the salty water and it made him gag. I reminded him to not swallow it and urged him to try again-he didn't!
If my crew isn't all better by tomorrow then everyone will go to the doctor on Thursday. So not only are we doping Anderson and Keaton with Tylenol occasionally and having them do Anderson's breather to help with coughs, we are also doctoring Reagan's arm for a wart and giving Whitman a nasal spray to hopefully help with his ear fluid. I feel like I am a pharmacist!
The kids seem to start to feel bad in the afternoon so at least school goes well. Keaton zooms through her work and ever started on tomorrow's as soon as I pulled it out. Anderson is usually the slowest with school and that hasn't changed. I am not sure that I can expect for him to do as much as Reagan did last year-he can certainly do the same work, that is not the problem, but his speed is.
We did take our first day of school pictures today. Reagan made sure that everyone stood outside for their pictures-she might just be my little photographer. We ate our lunch a bit later than usual and after I sewed for a minute and straightened, it was time to load up for Grannymom's house.
Whitman had spent the day with Grannymom which made our school around here a bit quieter. I had a hair appointment and Reagan tagged along with me because we were going shopping afterwards.
We looked for her a dress first at Old Navy and they did not have too many choices. Our next stop was Kohls. We saw a really cute dress on a mannequin but could not find it anywhere. I asked about it and the workers were about to get a ladder to get it down when Reagan tried on a dress that size and we found out that she would need a smaller size. Later, as Reagan continued to search in that section, I stood under the mannequin wondering if Grannymom could resize that dress. Thankfully, we didn't have to do that because we were able to find a cute outfit in another section.
Robby picked up everyone else from Grannymom's house including a sleeping Whitman. They headed home and Reagan and I were home shortly after them. We ended up eating supper at Chickfila for their yellow receipt day (whatever you buy today, you bring your receipt back on a Tuesday in August and get it for free.) The kids really enjoyed this since Robby even splurged and bought them all milkshakes! What a perfect end to a hot summer day!

July 24, 2017

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Monday morning and today was the first real day of Dennie school. Now, usually I have first day of school pictures but not today. I have the signs ready but I never really had time to take their pictures plus there are a few Dennies that are under the weather.
We started on school and things went pretty splendidly (for real). The kids started right on their school work and before I knew it, I was flying out the door with Whitman. He had a follow up check up for his ears.
He was quick to tell Dr. Martin that he was still coughing and even demonstrated a few "coughs" for her. He still has fluid behind his ears but that is not uncommon after an ear infection but his ears weren't infected which was good. She even had a nurse do a hearing screening on him. He passed but I am not too sure how accurate all of that was. The boy was trying his hardest to do the right thing and make everyone proud but who knows how many of those little beeps he really heard.
Back at home, I scurried around trying to get school ready for tomorrow and check the many pages that everyone was turning in to me. Also, this year I am having to sign off on everyone's school each day so by the time I finished all of this, it was lunch time-well, after lunch time.
I made lunch and everyone ate. There was a bit of time and soon we were in the car again-well, not all of us. Anderson and Graham opted to skip the pool. Anderson is still not 100% and Graham decided that he didn't want to go either.
I took Whitman and his sisters to the pool and they had a great time. They were pretty thrilled that we let them use money during adult swim to buy a few treats. Whitman even snuck away from me trying to buy something after I had cut him off!
Back at home, we had a quick turnaround before I left again with Keaton for a birthday party. Robby made hot dogs and everyone ate. The girls then showered and then Keaton and I left. It was a swimming party and Keaton jumped right in and swam for another 2 hours. She is my little fish!
The others settled in to watch a few tv shows and even had some ice cream for a snack. When we finally made it home, Keaton had a shower and then it was bedtime for the crew.

July 23, 2017

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Graham and Whitman were the first ones awake this morning. Graham usually is quick to put on his church clothes but I dressed Whitman and then reminded Graham to put on his clothes. Anderson was down soon with his clothes on.
While I was showering, Keaton and Campbell walked through and I could tell by the blurry colors through the shower door that they had put on their Sunday clothes. Reagan was not far behind them and she was even wearing a new shirt that she had not worn.
The kids found their breakfasts and grabbed their ipads. Keaton and Whitman sat in their fort, Anderson was in his chair by the window, Graham on the couch and Campbell and Reagan were settled into chairs. Everyone had a blanket wrapped around there. Our house is cooler than some houses but it isn't that cold.
We went to Sunday school and only have 3 more weeks before promotion Sunday. Anderson will move up to the preteens, everyone will have different friends in their classes, Whitman will start going to big church and Robby and I will try Sunday school after about 15 years of teaching.
After Sunday school, we headed to Grannymom's house and even beat her there. She had picked up pizza on her way home. After lunch, Campbell was pleased for us to eat the cake that she and Grannymom had made together yesterday.
When we left Grannymom's house, Robby dropped me off at Nonna's house and we headed out shopping. We hit the stores and did some belated birthday and Christmas shopping. Back at home, Robby said that he had idyllic dreams of the kids napping and quietly watching a movie. That didn't happen-there were card games, ping pong games along with some tv watching.
I arrived home and soon it was supper time. We passed out leftovers and while the kids were eating, Robby asked if some of them wanted to go to the pool for a tiny bit. It would be just about an hour to swim before they would close. He had 5 takers (not Anderson) and they loaded up.
When they arrived, they saw that no one was there. They asked and were told that it had been thundering. Robby let the kids play at the park for a minute but then they heard thunder again. There was a bit of disappointment but once Robby passed out some apple juice and a piece of candy, they forgot about the pool.
To ease Robby's disappointment, he stopped at Chuys for a bit of supper for us. We ate when they made it home and then everyone snuggled in to watch a Bates and a cookie show. Keaton, Whitman and I all fell asleep during the cooking show. I carried Whitman to bed while Robby woke Keaton up and helped her go to the bathroom and brush her teeth.
Sickness update: Whitman still has his cough though it is definitely improving. He was rubbing his ear today and I asked if it hurt and he said that it tickles which I guess isn't bad. Anderson has had fever for a few days now and is getting a cough. He didn't say much about his throat today so maybe it isn't too bad. Keaton told me today that she had a sore throat and was coughing. I didn't think much about it because after she said that she was coughing, she demonstrated a fake cough. But tonight, as Robby was kissing her goodnight he pointed out that she was indeed warm. I brought her downstairs and gave her some medicine. I made a big deal that I was giving her different medicine than Anderson complained about the other day. And I was, it was from a different bottle even though it was the same medicine. Hopefully the medicine will help her and her cold will be short lived!

July 22, 2017

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Robby woke me up this morning around 6:30. We jumped in the car, having already told the kids last night where we would be, to drive to the store. Kroger had cereal and granola bars on sale for a dollar today. You could only buy 5 per visit so Robby "visited" Kroger once and then twice while I was also "visiting" two different times.
We returned home just as Graham was getting settled with his ipad. He said that he saw that our bedroom light was on but didn't really know that we had left. Seriously, early is the best time to go to the store. Soon everyone was awake and grabbing their breakfast.
After our productive morning, Robby and I climbed back into bed. A bit later, Tony text about pancakes and Robby said he would be right over. Robby and I loaded up to eat a pancake or two and were soon back at home.
We pondered climbing back into bed but did get up and begin our morning. We made plans with the Wilsons and spent the rest of the morning straightening and getting ready for the rest of the day.
We picked them up and then picked up sweet Campbell, who had spent the night with Grannymom and Grandpa. Then we headed to Bald Knob to visit the Bulldog. The kids were pretty quiet on the ride there-they were probably hungry since it was after 2 before we made it and no one had eaten lunch.
Everyone picked out their lunch and then the part that we had been waiting for: milkshakes for most, peach shortcake for me and strawberry shortcake for Tony. I was super pleased with mine but the census on the milkshakes were that they were not as good as they had when I had been there before with the kids.
It was still a fun little Saturday trip and was about to become much more interesting. We stopped in Searcy to visit Lowe's mainly so we could walk off our big meal and shakes before the ride home. The kids immediately all found a tent and sat underneath it in the lawnchairs. We quickly spotted a man with a raccoon on his shoulder.
We had to walk next to him and stared mostly at his raccoon which he was trying to show off. But he was not only trying to show off his raccoon! The man had his pants unzipped and he was hanging all out of them. Robby hoped that it was his shirt tail hanging out of his pants but mercy, it was not his shirt.
We scurried away as quickly as we could and I had to remain on high alert the rest of the time that we were walking around Lowes. I will never feel the same way about raccoons or Lowes again! I even looked for hand sanitizer when we climbed into the car-if only I could find some hand sanitizer for my eyes!
Back at the safety of our home, we unloaded and loaded up again for the pool. The Wilsons came too and the kids enjoyed swimming until 9. Robby and Tony picked up pizza for us and we all inhaled it-doing nothing all day can make a person hungry.
By the time we made it home, unloaded and everyone showered, it was after 10. I think that Whitman is pretty much all better. Though when I mentioned yesterday that he had finished his medicine, he was quick to add, "but I am still coughing." Now Anderson is my sickly one. He had had fever since Thursday night off and on. He doesn't act like he feels bad but tonight did say that his throat was sore. Hopefully, he will feel better tomorrow or he might join Whitman at the doctor (recheck) early next week.

July 21, 2017

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My Anderson went to bed last night with a headache and fever. I had him drink some tylenol and he was none to happy about it at all. He worked himself up so that he could barely drink it. He went on and on about how bad it was. Now this morning, I felt him and thought that he might be a bit warm. He assured me that he was fine and did not need any medicine. I told him that if he started to feel bad then I would give him some again. Every time I have seen Anderson today, he has made sure to tell me or show me how well he feels. Though tonight, he said that he had a sore, itchy throat. I am sure that he is getting a cold but hopefully it will be short lived.
Everyone, but Keaton, was awake this morning when I woke up. They were all going strong and I was surely was not. Campbell asked me to make her a fried egg and since I had told her that we would today, I dutifully stumbled to the stove. I thought she just wanted one and pulled out my little skillet-after making her 2, Graham 2, Reagan 2 and Keaton 1 I realized that I should have pulled out the griddle and could have been finished in a fraction of the time.
We did our bit of school and even had a tiny bit of work together this morning and then it was sew time. Keaton, Campbell and Reagan all helped me sew some of the parts of Keaton's bag. They all did well but I did have to sew a few things myself. After working for about an hour and a half, I stopped for lunch. After lunch, Reagan quit helping and Campbell and Keaton played a game with Anderson and I finished the bag. It looks pretty cute-it isn't perfect but it is cute. We will change a few things with Campbell and Reagan's bags but hopefully we can work on them some next week.
This was a fairly lazy afternoon. Nonna and Pops did stop by to work on Pops' new watch. Then I took a shower and soon it was time to head to Grannymom's house to celebrate Lilly's birthday. There were Chick-Fil-A nuggets there and then kids devoured a whole tray of them. We had Oreo delight for dessert and the kids played cards until we headed home.
On the way home, we headed to the Wilson's house for a bit. We stayed until Whitman fell asleep and my eyes were killing me (I think I wore my contacts for a few too many days). Once at home, we put Whitman in bed, gave Anderson some meds (not Tylenol so he was happy) and passed out a bite of ice cream!

July 20, 2017

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I sure couldn't wake myself up this morning but I did manage to get out of bed before most everyone. I was awake when everyone but Anderson and Graham were up. No telling when they wake up-tonight Anderson told a story about him waking up thinking it was 7, coming downstairs and gathering his water, chair, ipad and blanket. Then he glanced at the clock and realized that it was not yet 7 so back up the stairs he went. I know that I have said it before but there is no telling what all happens around this house at night time.
Soon breakfast had been served (though most people continued migrating to Robby's office all morning to grab granola bars) and we were beginning to work on school. Things are still going well and no one is too bitter at me for making them start school in the middle of July.
Around 11, we started working on picking up the house and I hid upstairs on the new treadmill for a bit. I think that the new treadmill is a bit faster than the old one or something is different because I sure was a sweaty mess when I finished.
Soon it was time to load up to head to the pool. The Kamps and Powells were there and Lilly and Cash showed up as well. My little girls just followed Lilly and her friends around like they were big girls themselves.
Robby showed up and brought the 15 kids (my 6, Powells 2, Kamps 3, Lilly and her friends (3), and Cash (1)) an ice cream sandwich. That made everyone happy. My boys loved having so many buddies there and were ready to leave at 4 but since we were waiting on Robby we had to stay a bit longer. Then they weren't ready to go when it finally was time to go. My Campbell and Whitman could stay at the pool all day long every single day.
We met Robby at the gas station and then we headed home while Robby picked up a few necessities. I put the lasagna in the oven as soon as we came home and unloaded the car. Reagan was trying to get sleeping Whitman out of the car and he just slid down onto the floor of the car. She stayed there with him until I came to hoist him up and out of the car. He slept until supper was ready much later in the evening and goodness he was sour when he woke up.
The girls did perler bead pineapples as they waited on supper, the boys played on their ipads, Whitman slept, Robby watched the news and I worked on school for next week and getting ready for our sewing attempt tomorrow.
We ate our lasagna and corn for supper and then the kids watched a bbq show. Robby said that it looked like Snowmageddon in our living room because everyone was cuddled up in lots of blankets. I passed out coke floats to my more adventurous Dennie eaters and the others just received coke and ice cream in separate cups. After the shows were over, we put my crew into bed!

July 19, 2017

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Whitman was in our bed before 7 this morning. That was fine but he was too interested in getting breakfast to go back to sleep. Usually, he will fall asleep within seconds of being still but not this morning. I urged him to go and find a brother to help with breakfast and I guess he did because he didn't come back in our room for a good while.
We started our school this morning and things again went splendidly. That just makes me so happy-Keaton is loving it, everyone is doing well-I know that things will fall apart into a zillion pieces next week so I am greatly enjoying this week.
When everyone had finished, we did start on our work together work which does take a while but the kids were busy making chains to hang above their beds for our trip and birthdays. I had some time afterwards to crawl around in the attic looking for suitcases.
We had lunch and then I took the little 3 and Reagan to the library to look for some books. I wanted Reagan to pick out a book for her first book report but she settled on one that the library did not have. I think she figured out that if they didn't have it, it would be next week before she needed to do anything. The library highlight was free popsicles after checking out.
Once at home, I did some time on the treadmill and then I spent a long, long while with the girls cutting out the first set of pieces for the pineapple backpack. I will say, that if I can sew as well as I can cut, it should go together easily and will be so cute.
A bit before 6, I headed to Bunko and after a bit, Robby and the kids loaded up for the pool. They picked up supper on the way and then swam. For the most part, there were very few people there so they all enjoyed themselves. Keaton did loose an earring so that caused some drama and will cause even more tomorrow when I replace that one.
When everyone came in, they showered and then were sent right to bed! It had been a long day and the crew was tired!

July 18, 2017

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School day number 2-Keaton zoomed through her work. Her math is so, so simple. It has been for everyone. I give her 3 pages a day but could easily give her more. These daily 3 pages in kindergarten is what has helped all of my kiddos to be about a half year ahead in math.
On the other hand, phonics has started out easy for her but it will quickly get difficult. Until she really gets to be a pretty good reader, it will take a bit of time and some help for her to figure phonics out. That is fine because the difficult phonics balances out her easy math.
Everyone did their school with a bit less help today so that was good and we finished about 45 minutes sooner than we did yesterday. They all read a few books to Whitman which kept him off of his ipad. He loves it when anyone reads to him and will listen forever to books.
By lunch time, the kitchen was a wreck. I had never really had a chance to clean up too much from breakfast. The kids had convinced me to make them blueberry and chocolate muffins for breakfast. It was of course a hit but unfortunately my lunch of sandwiches was not.
After lunch we loaded up to take Keaton to her playdate at Harper's house. She could not be any more excited and Whitman could not have been anymore heartbroken that Keaton was leaving him and that he wasn't going to get to play with his buddy Harper.
He soon forgot about this when I dropped him and his brothers and Campbell off at Nonna's house. Campbell wasn't there long until she asked to bake something. Campbell loves the kitchen and loves to bake. The other day she made brownies when I wasn't home and since then she has asked to bake something at least twice a day. I had not said yes again yet but Nonna did today.
When Reagan and I returned from our third orthodontist consult (I've decided on one now) we ate Campbell's brownies and showed the girls what we had bought. Reagan has convinced me to tackle making her and her sisters pineapple shaped bags to take to Hawaii. After buying the material this afternoon, I read the instructions tonight and my head is spinning. Sometimes girls are so much more high maintenance than the boys.
After we picked up everyone from Nonna's house, we headed to pick up Keaton. She was not ready to come home but Whitman was sure happy to see her. When we made it home, Robby was there with the new delivery.
A few weeks ago, our treadmill died and Robby was able to fix it but after being concerned that his fix is not going to hold and realizing that the treadmill is 13 years old and probably on its last leg, he bought another one. We have committed to exercise together until it does break again. We will see how that goes.
The exercise program began tonight as we struggled to get the box out of his car. Then it took us a good while to heave it up the stairs. It must have weighed 300 pounds and we weren't too sure we were going to get it up there. We worked until almost 8 to put the thing together and when we did, we were in awe. That thing is so crazy quiet compared to the other one. Like you wouldn't even have to turn the tv up or could even carry on a conversation. He could walk in that thing and I could sleep in the same room-seriously, it is amazing.
We finally fed the kids, who had been very patient waiting on us, I pulled out lots of leftovers and they ate up-of course they were starving. Afterwards, they had a bit of downtime-Reagan made some pineapple pencil holders, Campbell and Keaton started on school work and my boys played on their ipads. Soon it was bedtime for the crew!

July 17, 2017

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First day of school this morning for Keaton. I am starting school slowly so as not to make myself crazier. I was up right after Graham and started on as many of my chores as I could. Soon I was waking everyone up and we were starting on school.
I had explained all of Keaton's work yesterday so she was able to get started. Whitman sat beside her for a long while. Campbell was good to help her whenever she needed help. Everyone else had to read and do a page of math along with start something new with me. After doing that along with our work together which takes nearly an hour, I could quickly become overwhelmed thinking about all that is left to add to our plate. Every year, I worry how we are going to get everything accomplished and we somehow do manage to get most things done so I shouldn't fret too much.
For lunch, we had leftover Olive Garden, leftover Pie 5, leftover Mexican casserole and leftover stuffed shells. I think that everyone found something that made them happy and I was happy getting some of the fridge cleaned out. Now we just need to work on those freezers which are full to the brim.
After lunch, everyone finished their chores and threw on their bathing suits. It was pool time since we needed a semi-first day of school celebration. The Heltz and Crafts were there so we had lots of buddies to play with. We stayed until 4:30 and then headed home.
When we opened the door of the house, it just smelled delicious in the house. I had pork chops in the crock pot and they ended up being just as good as they smelled. Those along with corn, green beans and biscuits, we had a pretty great supper.
We celebrated World Snake Day with a snake of our own. Campbell was walking to the shower after supper and casually said, "Dad, their is a big snake on the windowsill outside." Of course we all ran that way. Robby decided that it was a rat snake but still didn't want it around so he worked on shooing it to the woods. The snake was 4-5 feet long! Long enough that I am considering moving back to civilization.
Reagan was in the shower and so was Anderson but the rest of us scurried outside. The entire time, I am reminding the kids to always shut the doors, to be cautious of your surroundings, never touch a snake, blah, blah, blah. Anderson noticed us all outside and was soon out with the rest of us. Reagan watched from the window after her shower.
We followed Robby down the yard as he moved the snake. It was a very slow process and he almost gave up a few times and used the shovel to end it all. (Speaking of end it all-we hit a bird and also an armadillo while driving last night.) Robby would point in the direction he wanted the snake to go but it didn't work. The snake would try to climb up the house (eek) or climb trees and spent a lot of time trying to strike Robby and his shovel.
He eventually, got that big snake to the bottom and we all walked back up to the house looking carefully with each step we took. Once inside, showers were finished and we watched a Bates while eating popcorn before bedtime.

July 16, 2017

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I was still braiding hair this morning when Robby walked out of the bathroom fully dressed. I didn't even know that he had been in the shower yet, much less had time to get dressed. He was a man on a mission. Ice cream was on sale today and we are suckers for sales and suckers for ice cream!
He headed off to the store while I finished more hair (my French braiding is improving-Keaton and Campbell were my victims today.) We had loaded up the car when Robby was close and I had already made room in the freezer. He jumped out of the car and we shoved 5 ice creams and 5 boxes of ice cream sandwiches in the freezer and were off to church.
We walked through and saw the grands and then headed to Sunday school. After Sunday school, we headed to Kroger where Robby and I ran in. We came back to the car with 10 more half gallons of ice cream. This time it was a bit more difficult to shove them in the freezers since we had added 25ish bags of corn to the freezer on Friday.
We changed clothes and headed to Nonna's house for lunch. They had brisket and chocolate cake which the kids loved both. Then the kids had a bit of time to play before we headed out. Robby had offered to take anyone who wanted to go to the pool and everyone except Anderson and Graham did go.
He headed off with them to the pool. It was pretty crowded there but no one seemed to mind. It was pretty quiet back at the house-both boys played on the xbox some, Graham went outside for a minute but quickly came back inside saying that it was hot. They also did some ipading and watched some of a movie. I did some important work as well-staring at the back of my eyelids.
The swimmers came home and after they changed, I pulled Whitman in bed beside Robby. Within 2 minutes the boy was snoring which was fine but about 10 minutes later, I was putting his shoes on him and waking him up.
We went to Pie 5 to eat supper-Robby had 1 free pizza and I had two free pizzas there so was fun. We ate outside even though it was a bit warm-the girls thought that it was too cold in the restaurant.
After we ate our two bbq pizzas, 1 sausage and 1 cheese pizza, we met the Wilsons at the new putt putt place in Benton. It was crowded but not too bad and the weather was perfect. The boys were in the first group and I think that I heard Graham won. The girls were in the second group and I believe that Layne won. Tony and Robby beat Shannon and me. I was last place in our group-well, Whitman played with us so I think that he was officially last place.
After putt putt, we ran to Kroger to get some gas and since we were there we thought that we might as well check on the ice cream. The flavors were limited but that didn't stop us. So our ice cream total is 20 along with 5 ice cream sandwiches. Yep, we might just have an ice cream obsession!

July 15, 2017-Happy 17th Anniversary

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Our week included: 5 days of VBS for 2 Dennies, 1 trip to Maumelle, 7 trips to Benton for Family Farm for 4 Dennies, 1 trip to Conway, 2 cousins and 5 friends, 1 VBS Family Night, 2 ear infections, 1 night out to paint, 3 trips to the pool, 1 trip to Dumas, 2 burst ear drums, 134 ears of corn put up, 1 trip Malvern for family day, and a 17th wedding anniversary. No wonder I have fallen asleep on the couch every night so far this week.
Today was a much slower day, thankfully. Whitman climbed in bed with us around 7 and went back to sleep for a while. Graham asked for me to help me him make egg in the hole so we cooked for a bit fairly early this morning. Campbell wanted one to so we made her one.
Everyone but Keaton was awake when Robby left to pick up our first Kroger click list. He had lots of coupons and saved well over 50 percent-we were like kids at Christmas unloading the bags. Keaton woke up right when Robby came back home and by this time the living room was a wreck.
But it was a wonderful, almost peaceful, wreck. The kids had spread out a huge quilt on the floor. People were playing card games, people were in their ipads, and everyone was cuddled up. It looked like a perfect Saturday morning and could have only been better if it was raining outside.
Robby worked some around the house and I did a bit of school work prep. We had lunch and then loaded up for the pool. Today was our 21st visit to the pool this summer and the kids still love playing. They actually played fairly well together today even though they didn't have any buddies with them.
After the pool, we came home for showers for everyone. Then, we dropped the kids off at Grannymom's house and Robby and I headed out to eat. We ate at Olive Garden and it was pretty good. Then we walked around Kroger-yes, two grocery store trips today and I just don't think there is any better place to go on a date night. I love the grocery store (seriously). Once were were home, the kids headed to bed and we scooped us up some ice cream.

July 14, 2017

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VBS day 5 (actually this is the 20th day of VBS this summer-everyone went to the one at our church, everyone went to the little church down the road, the big boys went to Rock Creeks and Keaton and Whitman finished up Immanuel's VBS.)
I didn't have to wake Whitman up this morning. He was awake before 7 and Graham brought him to our room this morning at 6:50 and said, "I can't get him to go back to bed." It was close enough to 7 so they headed off to make their breakfasts.
I had to wake Keaton up which also woke Campbell up. Soon Keaton was putting on her clothes and I tried my best to give Whitman his medicine which ended up on the floor. Robby is the medicine giver pro so I have taken over the job of the ear drop dropper.
Robby took them to VBS while I stayed at home and tried to accomplish a few things. The kids did have chores today since they have been missing their chores during Family Farm. I have been folding their laundry and piling it into piles in my room each day so their laundry pile was huge until they put it out. Also everyone cleaned off their desks because a bit of school starts on Monday.
Before I knew it, I was in the car heading to pick up Keaton and Whitman. They had pizza today as their snack so everyone was happy. Keaton said she wished that VBS was 6 days and Whitman said that he wanted for it to be 10 days. While I was gone, I let the kids stay at the house and Campbell even made a pan of brownies. (I had told her that she could and was almost home by the time to take them out so I knew that nothing could burn.)
Around 1:30 or even a bit after, we loaded up to head to Shannon's house to work on our corn. We had 3 bags of corn to put up (2 of mine and 1 of Shannon's) The kids helped shuck the corn when we opened each bag. It took a while and the kids played during their shucking time.
At the end of the day, the menfolk arrived and we had Mexican casserole and the fixings for supper. The kids continued playing card games and the grownups continued eating. Whitman had coughed pretty good this afternoon and did eventually fall asleep around 5 so he had a late nap. (I am not sure if he had fever this afternoon, possibly but not anything like yesterday. He is still coughing at times like crazy but I do think he feels much better.)
It was after 10 when we did make it home and I think that the kids were as tired as we were. They all headed to bed without us having to plead and beg. I have been falling asleep each night on the couch and after almost falling asleep on the Wilson's couch, I don't think that tonight will be any different.

July 13, 2017

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Family Farm Day 4: We just had to get the boys and Cash up this morning and they stirred fairly quickly but gracious me, I am tired. My bedmate for the week slept fairly well but did cough a good deal.
I did have to wake coughy up because he rode with Robby to pick up everyone else. The girls spent the night at Dana's house so they loaded up along with the Heltz and Penningtons. Then they headed off to catch the bus for one last time.
Shannon and I went down the road to a moving sale. I didn't buy anything but did help Shannon spend some money. I made it home just before Robby, Keaton and Whitman did. We were home for a bit and then I took them to VBS.
I came home for a bit and was able to do a few chores before it was time to run to the library and to pick up the littles. I needed some help at the library because I checked out enough books that I wished I had a rolling cart to get to the car.
Whitman and Keaton had another good day at VBS. They told them all about tonight and Whitman practiced his songs as we walked down the hall to pick up Keaton. Once at home, we had lunch and then I worked on distributing all of those library books.
Grannymom and Grandpa came over to work on clean up/repair from the plumber fix yesterday. They hadn't been here too long when it was time for us to leave. Keaton could not wait to leave because she knew we were going to Family Farm.
The drive was short to Family Farm and after climbing out of the car we were surprised at how hot it was! We walked passed kids fishing, stopped in the petting area, saw some kids on boats and even ziplining. I finally spotted Reagan and we headed to see her. She was playing in the creek with her group and then we saw Campbell on the zipline. It took awhile before I found the boys who were doing archery or something.
The campers did their skits which were short but it all seemed long to me this afternoon-that might possibly have to do with Whitman. The poor little guy was burning up with fever (I should have given him tylenol but he didn't have fever when we left) and he was coughing pitifully. After the program was over, I checked everyone out and we flew home.
Whitman knew all about Family Night tonight at VBS and after some Tylenol, he perked right up and was ready to go. After the kids changed clothes, they were back in the car headed to Immanuel. They had hamburgers and hot dogs there for supper and then they had a little program.
Keaton's group sang a song and so did Whitman's group. Robby said they both did great. I was just down the road at Rock Creek. They had a women's thing tonight and we painted a picture of a church. I learned that I am no artist and now I have a painting for my closet.
The kids showered when they came home and soon I was home as well. Graham had already gone to bed when I got back. After a bit of down time the kids headed to bed and this is the first night this week that Whitman is in his bed (at least right now).
Lots of corn was delivered today-1 bag to Shannon, 2 to Candice, 1 to Toni and 2 for us. That means that tomorrow will be corn shucking and putting up day!

July 12, 2017

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Family Farm Day 3-I know that I am definitely waking up slower each morning which possibly is due to the little guy who has taken over Robby's spot. He slept worse last night than the night before. He would cough and cough and toss and turn and grab his ear. Finally, he did get to sleep and I was able to sleep some as well.
The kids woke up fairly slow this morning and again my girls were the last ones ready. Reagan was just finishing heating up her bagel when we started spraying people down with bugspray and sunscreen and loading up the car.
Robby took the crew again this morning and today the excitement was running into the Kroger to buy Cash a lunch since he forget his at home. They were in the store for about 4 minutes and came running back out so they wouldn't miss the bus.
I had to wake up Keaton and Whitman and the excitement here was putting ear drops in his ears. He did fine for me but needed washcloths to put on each ear until he was sure that the drops had dried. I asked him if he felt like going to VBS and before I could even finish my sentence, he was taking off his pjs to put on his clothes.
Keaton was in such a hurry to get to her class today that she left me and I had to go behind her to make sure she found her way. After dropping them off, I ran to Walmart and decided that I really loved getting up early and getting things done, and then I drove to the library which wasn't open for 30 more minutes. I didn't wait and headed on home.
Robby picked up our VBSers and took them to Grannymom's house for a bit while he ran to the dentist. He was also able to pick up Whitman's second med so as soon as he walked in the door, we gave him a dose.
I then laid with Whitman until he coughed and coughed and wore himself out and took a good long nap. Keaton and I worked on her reading book and then she helped me load the car for this evening-we had Cash's bag, my girls' 3 bags, the ice chest for this afternoon, my water, Jodee's food, 2 bathing suits for my boys, April's ice chest, the bag of goggles and the swim towel bag. Now, there is one thing that I did forget...
We were about half way there when I started looking for my wallet. I couldn't find it but did have my sunglasses which stay with my wallet so I assumed that it was in the car somewhere. When we arrived at the pick up stop, I searched and searched and picked up my phone to text Robby to look at it.
As soon as I grabbed my phone, my phone rang. It was Robby calling. My first words were, "did you find my wallet?" He said that he did not but an angel did. A big biker man drove up and returned my wallet. Yep, putting stuff on the front of my car caught up with me. My wallet fell off on Sparks road and our good Samaritan found and returned it.
The plumber was at the house so Whitman stayed and finished up his nap while I picked up and delivered the campers. I dropped off the Penningtons and Heltz and then dropped off all of my people at the pool. I was there for a bit while the kids changed their clothes in the car and then I helped Dana pass out supper. She had brought chick fil a for everyone and they went to town.
Robby eventually woke Whitman up and headed to the pool. I had left to go and eat and take Jodee a frozen meal. The kids played until after 8 at the pool. Everyone had fun and weren't really ready to leave when Robby and Dana packed up.
Dana took home Lilly and all of my girls and Robby just had the boys and Cash. They were able to play here at home a bit before Robby threw them all in bed. Cash is sleeping in Whitman's bed which means that I have one more night of sleeping with Whitman. Hopefully, he will sleep better tonight!

June 11, 2017

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Family Farm day 2-I tiptoed out of bed when my alarm clock went off early this morning. I heard Robby coming down the stairs and as he took a shower, I stirred all of the sleepers. Yes, Robby was sleeping in the bonus room not because we had had a tiff but because sickly Whitman took over our bed before we even went to bed last night.
His fever was high last night and we gave him meds. Robby laid down with him and he was asleep within seconds. This morning when he did wake up (after everyone else had left), he was going strong and acting like he felt great. I even put up all of the meds that I had been giving him.
Back to my campers, they were tired this morning but they did stir in time to have breakfast. My boys take no time to get ready and were able to have their breakfast while playing on their ipads. This morning we weren't the last ones there and that was good since we had two extras with us this morning (Alyssa Kate and Caroline.)
Robby hauled the crew to Benton while I readied my crew for VBS. We were about to climb into the car when I looked at my phone and saw that Robby was going to run home for our car swap. We had planned to meet but traffic made him take the back way right by the house. Not only did he switch cars, he also picked up Keaton and Whitman and took them to VBS.
That left me at home for a bit of extra time so I did my treadmill and then jumped in the car to run a few errands. I bought paint for a project in the girls' room and then looked and looked for one more thing but couldn't find it.
When I picked up Keaton and Whitman, I noticed that one of his ears was a bit yucky looking. I have been asking him if his ear hurts and he has continually told me that they do not. As I was questioning him, he did tell me that yucky slime came out of one ear last night. Um, great.
We headed on to Grannymom's house to change our clothes and I then I took Keaton and Whitman to the pool. My Keaton could have stayed there forever-he friend Isaac was there, she found some more friends and even the Crafts showed up. We ate lunch during the first adult swim and during the kid swim, I called and got Whitman a doctor's appointment.
There wasn't a whole lot of appointment times to choose from so I was fortunate to get the one I did. It worked our perfectly because we were able to swim some and then Keaton's used her money to buy her and Whitman both some candy when we left.
We then headed back to Grannymom's house to change back into dry clothes. Then it was on to the doctor's office. Whitman was in rare form. As the nurse was taking his blood pressure, he told her that there would be no shots today. And even though he had 102 fever, he spent his time rolling around on the doctor's stool and crashing into the wall.
He talked and talked to Martin. She had to listen to his chest forever because he would not stop talking. He talked about no shots, he talked about the gooey slime, he talked about the bug in his throat. Not only was my boy a chatterbox but he was also pretty sick. His lungs were a bit yucky along with two ear infections and two burst eardrums and add that to what we already knew, a continuous cough, swollen and red eyes and high fever. But some coke in the car made everything better for my little guy.
As he was chatting Dr. Martin's ear off, Keaton would just look at me and grin. Then she would roll her eyes at her brother's antics. She is so Reagan!
We were able to go home for a bit before picking up the others. I unloaded the car, changed the boys sheets, and did about one more thing before it was time to leave again. We made it to the bus stop before the buses again. That was fine because Keaton and Whitman were able to climb around the car some.
The buses arrived and everyone then climbed into my van. I passed out drinks and we were on the road back to town. The kids were a bit quieter today in the van than they were yesterday. I think they are getting tired. Graham was super proud of his award today and Campbell was camper of the day today.
After dropping everyone off, we came home. Reagan jokingly asked if we were going to pick up pine needles tonight. The kids vegged for a bit while I sprayed weeks and Robby sprayed for ants. Then showers were started and supper was heated up.
The kids watched a grilling tv show before it was bedtime. Graham got up in the middle of it and asked if he could go to bed. He was sound asleep when we tucked him in. We worked on Whitman last-ear drops were the only medicine that we could get today. So after some tylenol, we worked on the ear drops. He was pretty brave but gracious he does not like them-the next 13 times will probably not go as smoothly as tonight. It looks like he will be sleeping in my bed for one more night!

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