- This morning did begin early with Robby, Anderson, Campbell, and Whitman leaving for Raymar a little bit after 7. We got there and were able to help set a few things up-Anderson helped with the sound and the tent while Robby and I worked in the concession stand.
- We left the kids there-Whitman had 3 hours of the concession stand scheduled while Campbell had 2. She reffed 3 games, and Graham did the same while Keaton only reffed two games today. Keaton had spent a night with a friend and arrived a little bit later, and Graham came to Raymar after his run.
- Anderson, Robby, and I headed to Arkadelphia for registration day. It was a fun day. We were on time, but the line for us to get our stuff in was long. Then Anderson had to stop and talk with someone in an office that he might be working in, so that made us walk in late-that was fine since we were there last year and new the drill.
- Anderson soon had to walk off with the school of business to register. Now, his registration experience wasn't too great, but I think that it will all be sorted out. He told the guy he had taken one class, but he still put Anderson in that class, plus he didn't let Anderson have any input into any of his classes or the times of his classes.
- That is all something that I tend to stress about, but there are some nice things about a small college-Anderson emailed the guy, and he wrote back immediately. Plus we have the dean's email and even his phone number, and the registrar will be in my Sunday school class tomorrow so there is no reason to be concerned.
- While Anderson was registering, we were supposed to go to a parent's class. We were sitting talking with some other parents, and those people never got up to go to the class-that was probably my first class that I ever skipped at Ouachita.
- Around this time, we met up with Reagan. She hung out with us for a while, and even ate lunch in the cafeteria with us. She said that the food was a lot better today than it usually is on a Saturday. Robby and I both talked about how last year at this time, Reagan was sitting in the cafeteria with us, and you could tell that she was a bit overwhelmed. This year she was completely relaxed chatting with us and other people-hopefully, that will be Anderson next year.
- We then toured the boys' dorms-the girls' dorm is just as old and probably older, but it is in much better condition. It does have much more built in things-drawers, desks...so move in day will be a lot easier. Anderson's roommate was with us so they were even doing some planning.
- We then headed back towards home and arrived just at the start of Keaton and Whitman's soccer game. The score was tied 0-0, but Robby's team had no subs so they all played the entire game. Keaton did great, and really Whitman did as well. All of my kids, except Anderson, are bright red-I guess no one thought about sunscreen today though.
- After the game, the kids went home with Graham while Robby and I waited on Anderson to finish tearing down. We hurried home so I could unpack pretty quickly-there was a soccer game bag, a clothes, bag, a food bag, an ice chest, another ice chest, plus all of our things that we took to Arkadelphia.
- I had just finished this when it was time to leave again to take Campbell and Keaton to a party. Robby and I dropped them off, and we ran to Kroger, Walmart, and to pick up pizza. We were able to buy what I need to do the eggs so I will mark that off of my list tomorrow.
- Then it was back home where I made muffins and washed fruit for Anderson to take to Sunday school tomorrow while Robby folded the laundry. Then we went to the Wilson's house-I dropped off Robby and went to pick up the girls-then we all celebrated Layne's birthday just a little bit late.
- Robby and I stayed to visit for a bit, and then we came home. Now, it it time for bed because I know that I'm exhausted.
April 11, 2025
April 11, 2025
- We again treated this Friday like a Saturday and slept in. It was nice, but when I did get out of bed, I quickly started on my list. Don't be too impressed because the items marked "clean something" and "work in the yard" were easily avoided by me today and the items marked "crochet" and "make banana bread" were the first things that I did.
- I did take Keaton to Target today to buy a present for her friend's birthday party that she went to tonight. We walked all around that store and quickly found the present, but Keaton also found herself a drink plus a shirt.
- When we came home, it was time for Graham and Campbell to go to work. Soon after Whitman asked around for someone to play a game with-he spends most of his time alone so I can't really say no so I played the game while I crocheted.
- Then around 2, I had plans to work in the yard, and I did walk outside, but then I just turned around and went back in the house and took a nap. Two things happened-I was overwhelmed and I thought there were 2 weeks until Easter.
- I found out that Easter is next Sunday just tonight-I thought that I had one more week to at least make some plans. I'm trying not to get overwhelmed because I had a long mental list divided over two nice long weeks-yard, eggs, Easter baskets, food, clean the house, cookies-but now all of that is squeezed into one week. None of this should stress me out-the egg prizes are just going to be gift cards (I had some candy to put in them, but I guess I didn't hide it well enough), the Easter baskets are always pretty lame, the house doesn't take long if people help, and I don't do much of the food.
- This evening I took Campbell to ride with Eden to go to church. She did childcare tonight-she has spent quite a bit of time at the church house this week. Then we picked up a friend, ran back by the house because Keaton forgot her present (it was on the way), and took them to a birthday party.
- The big boys had already left to go to Rock Creek tomorrow, and Robby and I left soon after to go to the Wilson's house for supper. We visited and watched the ballgame until it was finally time for us to come home and go to bed-tomorrow will be an early day and a busy day.
April 10, 2025
- Keaton and Campbell went to work this morning-they were disappointed that Robby didn't have to stop at a gas station on the way to work since they usually get a drink of some sort of the way there. He did pick them up this afternoon so they did get a drink on the way home.
- Since Keaton is gone on Thursday mornings, Whitman and I read quite a bit less so he started on his school earlier. He did finish earlier than usual even though it was still after lunch. Since the girls were gone, I was able to finish my part with him early.
- The big boys both had a history test today. They did that-one did really well and one did ok which was kind of odd since the last test it was just the opposite on who did really well and who did ok. Either way, their grades are fine in that class so that is good. But next week they will already start having to study for the next test and final.
- I left with Graham for him to take his accuplacer test once again-he was 1 point away. I feel so sorry for him that he just can't pass it. He did much better this time that last time. That time I think that we had studied too much, and he had started over thinking things. Graham doesn't mind taking it-he does mind that the lady he has to talk to at check in is starting to recognize him.
- I did get him a sonic drink and snack on the way home-that, of course, made things better. Hopefully, he will just have to take it one more time, but if not, he has time to keep trying.
- We came home, and I sat on the couch with the big boys as they watched some of the Masters. Soon they went back upstairs so I crocheted some. Then it was time to leave to take Campbell and Keaton to church to work.
- Robby and I went to eat with people. We stayed and visited so long that the girls rode home with Grannymom. They enjoyed hanging out at her house for a bit. We came and picked them up and were out entirely too late.
- When we came in, Keaton went right to work-she has a party tomorrow night and is sewing a shirt as part of a gift, and she has a party Saturday night where she is painting a sign. She is nearly done with both, but she had to work some tonight, and will have to work more tomorrow.
April 9, 2025
- This is Wednesday, but I guess this week has gone smoothly because I really feel like this is just the second day of the week. Other than having a hard time waking up Anderson, school went really well this morning.
- Whitman did take a little while today, but he enjoys taking his breaks so I try not to let that bother me. On the way home from church tonight, he actually said that he would like to go to school. I was shocked to hear him say that-all of the distractions at school would cause him to take all day long to do any work at all.
- Graham and Campbell went to work today after missing on Monday. Keaton laid in the sun for a while-I actually went on a walk and walked right near her in the yard and didn't see her sunning. She also spent a good deal of time painting today.
- There was a soccer ref meeting before church today so we all had to leave early to get there. Whitman and I didn't need to be at the meeting since we sure aren't reffing so we just sat in the car. I read and he played on his phone-it was perfect.
- Wednesday night is everyone's favorite night-everyone was visiting so much that we all left church a bit late. Campbell, Graham, and Anderson all went to ChickFilA on their way home. Robby had Whitman a hamburger while Keaton and I both had leftovers tonight.
- Tomorrow the big boys have a test in the morning, and then Graham is going to try to accuplacer again in the afternoon-it is going to be a busy day, but hopefully a successful day.
April 8, 2025
- I should have gotten up in time to walk this morning, but I really couldn't get motivated to do that-my bed was so comfortable. Thankfully, I did get up in time to do all of the laundry and empty that dishwasher. Even after folding a load of clothes this morning though, I still had 2 more loads to deal with today-I'm not sure what has made us have so much laundry around here.
- We did the school thing this morning-some days I really enjoy school, and today was one of those days. It's not really the school part that I enjoy, it's when all or most of the kids are in the same room doing their school work.
- Keaton and Campbell had to hurry thought their last bit of work because they had lunch with someone from Rock Creek. They enjoyed their lunch plus they ran through Hobby Lobby with Grannymom. Keaton has a project-well, two projects-that she was buying supplies for.
- I spent a good deal of time working on my blanket-I believe that I need 99 granny squares and after today, I have made 5. I made two today even though I had said that I was only going to make 2 on weekends.
- Anderson went to work at Raymar this evening, and Keaton went along with him. Graham, Whitman, and Robby went to finish off Whitman's birthday celebration-ChickFilA and the Minecraft movie.
- That means that I was at home with Campbell, I guess that she actually thought that I was going to the movies with the others. The first thing that she said when she saw me was, "oh, you are here?" She then said that she wanted the house to herself, but I assured her that I wouldn't get in her way.
- I made some taco meat for supper, but when Anderson came in her opted for other leftovers. Don't worry, I wasn't offended.
- For the rest of the evening, people showered, people ate, people painted, and people gamed. Actually, I think that I;m going to get myself some ice cream.
April 7, 2025
- Monday morning and things went pretty smoothly-though I do think that Keaton and Whitman snoozed during a good bit of my reading this morning. Whitman actually just finished some of his school work at 9 tonight. He can work quickly, or he can work incredibly slowly while also taking lots of breaks.
- Most of the morning and afternoon was spent in limbo with Campbell and Graham. They originally thought that they had upward pictures tonight but that was moved to next week. Then they saw that their work's power was out, plus the received a text from the boss lady, so most of the morning and afternoon was spent watching the entergy website.
- Keaton and Campbell did work together on a project. They did everything that they could do until they ran out of paint so buying paint is part of the plans for tomorrow.
- Anderson went to work at Raymar before Robby, Keaton, and Whitman went. On Saturday, Robby and I will be gone, so Campbell and Graham went to practice with Robby since they will be the assistant coaches on Saturday. We might be back by the end of the game.
- While they were gone, I ran to Nonna and Pops' house to take them a radio that they bought. I stayed there a minute, but then I had to run home and make supper before the soccer people came home.
- We had tostados for supper tonight-I think that tostados are a hit though Anderson said that he would like me to try to make the same thing on just chips. I can try that one night.
- Most people have had showers-actually, so many people have had showers tonight that I have already started a load of laundry to get ahead. Whitman and I played a game this evening, but most of the time was spent watching the basketball game.
April 6, 2025
- We weren't sure when we went to bed if Geyer was going to have church or not this morning. We had our Rock Creek back up plan ready to happen, but we were glad that we had big church as usual.
- When we did pull up to the church house, Whitman looked up and said, "why are we here?" I guess that he missed the conversation that we were going to Geyer. Poor guy-he is just along for ride.
- Since we just had big church, we stood around and chatted for a little bit. Then we all headed to Grannymom's house for lunch. I knew that we would be there early, so I brought my crochet stuff-I even finished a square so I only need to do 97 more granny squares.
- We then came home, and I tried to take a short nap, but had to help Keaton with a cricut project really quickly. Then the big 5 left for Collide Night to start meet some folks going to their summer camp.
- While they were there, I made a chocolate cake, and then Robby and I went to our Sunday school fellowship. When the kids left their church thing, the big 3 headed to their next church thing. Keaton caught a ride home with Sara while Whitman went home with a friend. He stopped by Sonic and had lots of fun-I know that he always has fun when he is pretty chatty after something.
- We picked Whitman up on the way home. The big 3 walked in the door just as we came home, so we all stood in the kitchen catching up on the night. Campbell even called Reagan so she ended up being in on the conversation.
- Now, we are getting ready to start heading to bed around here.
April 5, 2025
- It was so stormy last night that I don't really think that I slept much. Well, I did sleep well until about 10 this morning. I quickly emptied the dishwasher, and then Robby and I left to run some errands.
- The roads weren't bad when we left, but while we were at Costco with the rest of Little Rock, there was a huge storm. The rain was loud and crazy, and we decided that we would just walk around the store some more. Despite the rain, you really can only walk around a store so long without buying anything, so we hurried to the car. Actually, Robby hurried to the car, and I waited for him to come and pick me up.
- I guess that storm was pretty bad because when we did drive home, water was over the roads, trees were down, and our yard is littered with branches. However, that storm didn't stop our errands. Our next stop was Aldi-we bought a few things, but it was pretty unstocked and a bit messy.
- We then went to On the Border-the food was good, but it was like we were eating in a ghost town-no one was in that restaurant. I guess everyone was at Costco, and then the storm scared everyone, and they went home because no one was at Aldi, On the Border, or our next stops: Popshelf, Trader Joes, Dollar Tree, Popeyes, and Kroger.
- We were gone a good bit, but we brought home lunch for the kids. The storm had knocked out power most everywhere around us, but thankfully we still had power. If we had lost power, it would have made for a long day for sure.
- I spend the afternoon working on my first on 99 granny squares that I'm making. I had practiced before so I was able to figure it out-one square just took me a few hours today. I was super pleased-Whitman also encouraged me saying that I could be done by the end of the year.
- Robby played Whitman's new game with him, and later in the afternoon I did as well. Keaton convinced Robby to do a few mystery shops to pick up supper for everyone so that is what they did. After supper, Robby and Campbell made some cookies which we all quickly devoured. Now, basketball is on, and I may read a little bit.
April 4, 2024
- I just acted like today was Saturday and didn't do much of anything. This morning I went with Graham and Keaton to take some coffee cake to Grannymom. We stayed and visited or a little bit, but then we headed home.
- The boys all had some school work today which they eventually did finish up. I spent a good deal of the day trying to register Anderson for a test. Robby is actually looking at it now, but even though I know the problem isn't on my end, it is still frustrating.
- Whitman and I played his new Lorcana came this afternoon. I think that I'm getting the hang of it, but games are not as easy as they used to be-his new game is complicated! Of course, he completely understands it so I have to ask him questions constantly.
- I made a chicken pasta for supper tonight. When Campbell and Graham came home from work, they were anxious to start eating. I was able to hold them off for a while, but just as soon as Robby walked in the door we were spooning it up.
- Everyone ate at the table before they quickly put up their dishes, cleaned a little, and scattered. Some folks went on the treadmill with Bentley for a little bit while others headed to their devices. Robby and I are settled on the couch ready for the storms to roll through-well, we will be ready once we have our ice cream.
April 3, 2025
- This was indeed a rainy day-I still wish that we were camping, but definitely not in this weather. Robby took Campbell and Keaton to Mother's Day Out today to work. Then he ran some errands and did his work from Grannymom's house.
- The rest of us went to town on our school work-well, it is just the boys and me home all day on Thursdays so the house is a little quieter. Whitman and I read together, then he started on his school work. They all have a bit of work to do tomorrow, but that sure won't hurt anyone.
- For Graham's speech class today, he had to do a video of himself giving a speech explaining how to do something. He made coffee cake-and well, it is more like upside down coffee cake. He had a hard time stirring and pouring while talking so he just put the cake in the oven during his speech. When his speech was over, he grabbed the cake back out, and we tried to fix it.
- It is good-especially good warm-but it isn't like any coffee cake you have had before! Ha! Here's the most important thing though-he got it done in just one take so that was great.
- When the cake cooled, we went to Nonna's house to drop off some cake with them. While we were there, she made quesadillas for Graham and Whitman. We stayed a visited for a bit, but then we had to leave to pick up the girls.
- I ran by the library on the way to church, and then we had to wait a few minutes for the girls. We headed home, and I worked with Whitman-we are still in birthday mode so I skipped spelling. A bit later, Robby came home, and we started on supper for the kids.
- We made them breakfast-sausage, pancakes, and egg in the holes. Then Robby and I went to the Wilson's house for supper. We stayed and visited for a bit before we headed home.
- It was early enough for Robby and I to play the last few rounds of one of Whitman's new escape room games. It was really neat, and we all kind of enjoyed it. Now, we are going to watch one more show before bedtime.
April 2, 2025-Happy 12th Birthday Whitman!
- I do think that the birthday boy had a good day today. I quickly made muffins this morning before school started. Then as we were reading, Robby walked by and asked him if he wanted a coke for breakfast. We could have stopped there, and he would still have had a wonderful day.
- We did school-I even let Whitman skip one thing. Everyone else had all of their work. Usually after I work with Whitman, then Campbell comes in to work with me. However today, she had quite a bit more work so I worked with her last-changing things up a bit.
- It was probably mid morning when we all started getting emails and text saying that church tonight was cancelled. I completely understand why they needed to cancel it, but the kids were all disappointed. I actually received 3 text, 3 emails, and one group me notification-they really didn't want us to come.
- Campbell and Graham went to work this afternoon. As soon as they left, Keaton, Whitman, and I loaded up and ran to pick up a scoop of ice cream for Whitman at Small Cakes. Then we got his free ChickFilA brownie plus since we were there, he needed some nuggets. After we drove off, I told Keaton that I meant to order something for her and me to split.
- We came home, and Keaton played a game with Whitman, and then Anderson did. Keaton spent most of the afternoon working on a cake for Whitman. As soon as Campbell and Graham came home from work, we started eating our suppers. This was a fend for yourself night-Graham and Whitman had pizza, Keaton had manicotti, Campbell had a grilled cheese, and I had nachos. I'm not sure what Anderson or Robby ate though.
- Campbell turned on the weather, and thankfully it looks like the real storms are going to miss us. We still have birthday cake to eat tonight plus we need to finish yesterday's game.
April 1, 2025
- Last night I was checking Anderson's prebill at Ouachita, and it didn't take me long at all to notice that something was different-what we owed was lower than last time I had looked. He has been given two additional little scholarships from Ouachita, so that was kind of like winning the lottery for Robby and me-a little lottery, but we will still happily take it.
- We were a bit mopey today because Robby had planned to go to Maumelle to start our first weekend of camping this year. However, the rain just looks non stop so he backed out, but that still makes me sad.
- Speaking of rain, I was grumbling about making the concession stand schedule, when Robby asked why I was even making it for this week. He said that if for some reason they did play, then we would just figure it out which was so true-there was no reason for me to stress about something that isn't going to happen. (Though Anderson is convinced that we will play Saturday-I think that he is trying to use reverse psychology on the weather so it will be a rain out.)
- We did the school thing this morning even though Whitman was already trying to convince me to let him do less since tomorrow is his birthday. I did't let him skip any today and won't let him tomorrow either. Actually, I just had to text him to make sure that he finished his last thing, which means I now have to get up and check it.
- We did start his birthday celebration today-I guess we really began Sunday with presents from Nonna, but today Grannymom came over with gifts for him. He opened those, and as soon as she left we played his new game from her. Tonight Robby bought him pizza for supper, and when Keaton gets home from Raymar, we will play his new game from Nonna.
- Anderson worked this afternoon/evening so Campbell and Keaton went with him. Those girls have spent a good deal of the day outside. They laid out quite a bit of the afternoon, and Campbell is as red as a beet.
March 31, 2025
- For the first day back after Spring break, I think that the day went pretty smoothly. There were no tears and most of our school work was finished. I did have to take Keaton to babysit at 11:30 so we had to do some speed checking of her math which meant that we did skip a few things.
- Speaking of math-Whitman does some extra math with me each day. Today in his math he was finding the first, second, and third quartile of box plots. We did it, and he understood it, but this was one of those times when I said, "you will never use this."
- Since Campbell had work today, Keaton babysat without her. She did well and enjoyed the afternoon. Campbell and Graham went to work as well, and they even want them to start coming in more often. Anderson left early this afternoon too to go and paint the fields at Raymar. At one point, I realized that everyone but Whitman was at work-maybe I can get him a job. There probably aren't many jobs for 12 year olds though.
- After I picked up Keaton from the babysitting gig, I brought her home, but then I left again. I dropped off a meal at a friend's house. I had to hurry back home so Robby could leave again with Keaton and Whitman for soccer practice. He also stopped to pick up Campbell since she is going to act as his assistant coach.
- When everyone made it home tonight, most people had showers and supper. Robby and I are already sitting on the couch watching tv.
March 30, 2025
- This Sunday morning started off with us all moving a little bit slowly-especially Anderson. I had to sweetly yell at him quite a few times for him to finally get up and get moving. Thankfully, it doesn't take him long to get up, and he isn't in a bad mood when he does have to scurry around and hurry. I would be in a bad mood though.
- Campbell did worship care at church this morning. She was in a room with a lot of helpers and not many kids at first, but soon the kids did come. We all did church-the kids said that they had more people in their Sunday school this week than they did last week so I guess everyone is back from their spring break trips.
- We ate lunch at Nonna and Pops' house. Pops had pork tenderloin for lunch which all of the kids loved. After we ate, we celebrated Whitman's birthday. Whitman received some cash, two different escape room games, candy, and a shirt. I think that he was pretty pleased with his haul-he did pick most of it out.
- We came home for about 20 minutes, and Robby and I left again with Campbell. She had her dgroup in Benton but first we stopped at HteaO for Campbell to spend some of her gift card. Then we ran into Kroger quickly before taking Campbell to her Bible study.
- While we were on our way home, Anderson left to play pickleball while Graham went on a run. Robby and I weren't as athletic as the boys-we had a nap. Some of the kids were planning on going to Rock Creek tonight, but they ended up cancelling it because of the weather. Unfortunately, the weather didn't come tonight-at least it hasn't come yet.
- We went to the Wilson's for supper tonight. We were able to eat and visit for a good while until we finally did have to come home and start the saddest part of the week-the last few hours of the weekend.
March 29, 2025
- We slept in a bit this morning which was nice since I was awake at least an hour last night while Campbell and her friends settled upstairs. I could hear Campbell walking around to air up the air mattress, and I could also hear everyone "whispering." I did text her twice telling her to be a bit quieter.
- They eventually did quiet down or maybe I was so tired that I went back to sleep. I did get up this morning after my alarm to put the cinnamon rolls in the oven. For some reason these didn't rise like they should have-I guess it was the two different packages of yeast that I had used. Anderson said that they weren't the best, but I still think that they were pretty good. I will have to make them again to make sure that their number one rating wasn't just a fluke.
- Robby and I left this morning to see the new Bargain Brothers store. This was 10 dollar day, and the store was full of people all carrying boxes and bags full of stuff. It was almost strange-we peeked into the bins, but quickly realized this was not the bargain shopping for us at all. Maybe on a 1 dollar day, but I certainly didn't see anything I needed for 10 dollars.
- Then we stopped by Graham's house sitting place for a few minutes. Afterwards, we came home and ended up on the couch. A bit later, we left with Whitman to go and pick up Keaton at Grannymom's house. We even stopped at Walmart and picked up a few things plus supper.
- We made it home about the same time that Graham was unloading the car from his week away. Anderson and Graham were soon outside playing basketball while supper cooked. Now, some folks are watching basketball while others are starting their showers.
March 28, 2025
- I woke up and started on the laundry. Our downstairs washing machine is working but not really working which means that we have been doing our wash upstairs. However, our dryer upstairs isn't as dependable-it heats and drys but it is just slower than downstairs. So we now wash upstairs and dry downstairs. It's a little bit of a hassle since we are out of our routine, but we will get a new one figured out eventually.
- Graham wrote this morning saying that he woke up with a sore throat. He took some medicine, and when he did come home, I told him to take some allergy medicine. I had assumed that he was telling me all of this to get out of working this afternoon, but after a bit he wrote and said that it must have been just his allergies because after taking that medicine he felt better.
- Campbell and Graham went to work this afternoon, and soon after they left Robby and I left. We stopped by Nonna and Pops' house to drop off Whitman's birthday presents. Then we went to ChickFila for milk shakes since we were driving right by. Then it was to Michael's to buy me yarn. It wasn't on sale at the store, so I had to come home and order it online. However, I had to spend most to get free shipping, but I found a gift card so that helped-I hope that I like the colors of yarn that I picked out this time.
- Graham dropped Campbell off at home, and then he left to let Sully out. Anderson left a little bit after him, and they met up to go and play pickleball. They are still there so I know that they are having fun.
- Soon Campbell's friends started arriving-there are possibly 4 of them here tonight. Robby made chicken tacos outside for our supper. Grannymom came over to eat, and when she left this evening Keaton went home with her. They have a sewing project that they are planning on working on tomorrow.
- While we were visiting with Grannymom, I made cinnamon roll dough, which I'm about to turn into cinnamon rolls to bake tomorrow. Plus after a bit of a reading slump, I started a new book today which I think that I'm going to really enjoy.
March 27, 2025
- I tired to stay in bed as long as I could today, but the last day of Camp Geyer food was calling my name. Today's menu item was mini apple pies which I was able to make because Whitman didn't eat all of my apples last night.
- The mini apple pies turned out pretty good. Pops was by later in the day and said that they were very good. However, after I make my Camp Geyer things, I write out every detail of what I did and what I need.
- Today though I was super distracted...the neighbor has someone house sitting, and that someone is a little older. While I was trying to write everything out, I noticed that he was laying on their patio. Now, the girls lay out in the yard, but I don't ever see myself laying down on the patio...unless I have fallen. That was exactly what I was worried about and why I could barely concentrate to write out my recipe.
- I went to tell Robby and went out a few steps. I then decided that maybe the man was just laying watching his phone so I went back to my recipe writing out. Though 15 minutes later he was still on the ground so I decided I had to go and check. I swallowed my price and thankfully he was fine-I didn't have to call the ambulance.
- I was finally able to finish writing everything out and went on my walk. I slowly started on making my manicotti when Pops called saying that he was bored. They come over and visited a little bit-and since they were sitting at the bar while I was cooking, they ended up taking home a bit of manicotti for their supper.
- It was a little bit before that when Campbell and Keaton woke up for the day. Whitman didn't wake up until 4-Anderson told him that they would be going to bed earlier tonight. Anderson arrived home from his cruise about 5:30 this afternoon after docking in Galveston this morning.
- He really enjoyed the cruise-though he said that the food on the Norwegian boats was a bit better. The excursion was neat as well. Overall, I think that he had a lot of fun. He's a bit tired and hoarse.
- We took a meal to Robby's brother who had surgery, and then I picked up Anderson. We started on his laundry while Keaton worked on her cookies for Grannymom's basketball party. The game didn't start until after 9, but the table was full of snacks for this evening.
- I'm going to end this blog while the Hogs are ahead-I brought my computer so I could get a little bit ahead. Hopefully we will win, but it would be better for my bracker if we don't!
March 26, 2025
- This morning I was wild and crazy and did my chores in a different order. I know-I am living the Spring Break life. I'm pretty much a creature of habit so organizing the school room instead of emptying the dishwasher was exciting. (I know I possibly need a hobby or a job.)
- Before any of the kids woke up, I made my third Camp Geyer recipe. Today's menu item was a crescent pizza pie-actually a crescent roll filled with pizza sauce and mozerella. I called it a pizza pie because we will make it on pie day along with tomorrow's planned menu item (apple pie)-as long as Whitman doesn't eat the whole bag of apples that we bought from Sam's tonight.
- Graham stopped by to pick up Campbell for work this afternoon. She said that everyone at work was sick today so hopefully they don't get sick too. He brought her home and picked up some more clothes before leaving for his house sitting. Graham has very much enjoyed house sitting.
- Anderson should get home sometime tomorrow. I'm a little anxious for him to get back-I want to hear all about his trip. I have been able to track Reagan, but I hope that we also get to hear all about her trip.
- When Campbell came home from work, we left with Keaton and Whitman for a few errands. First, we stopped at Walmart for Whitman to pick out a few things for his birthday. Then we moved on to Sams for our supper.
- Back at home, Bentley and Campbell jumped on the trampoline some. Robby and I watched some tv while he worked on our taxes.
March 25, 2025
- After waking up this morning, I didn't wait too long before I started on my second Camp Geyer recipe. Today's was a little bit easier since it was just mini monkey bread. I'm used to making big monkey bread, so this was a little bit of math today and not as much experimenting as yesterday.
- I thought that the girls and their guests plus Whitman would go after the monkey bread, but they really didn't. That was fine though since I packed some to take to Graham. Robby and I are sitting on the couch, and I just told him that I miss Graham and Anderson. I miss Reagan too, but I'm used to her being gone.
- Graham is still enjoying house sitting. We did see him today for our outing. Anderson is still on the cruise-this was a port day. Hopefully, he has been keeping detailed notes and pictures so he can tell us all about it (not holding my breath on that). Reagan went to Ikea with her friends today, but I haven't gotten a report on if she bought anything or not.
- At noon, we met up with Robby, Grannymom, and Graham at Top Golf. Collyn, Laynie, Keaton, and Campbell golfed in one bay while Grannymom, Robby, Graham, Whitman, and I were in the other bay. Robby splurged and bought some food and drinks for us to munch on while we were there. I think that everyone had fun-Campbell can smack that ball pretty far while Whitman is actually better than I am.
- When we came home, I sat down and read a little bit before taking another walk. This time I didn't take Bentley, but a bit later Keaton took her on a walk. Robby and I worked on the camper for a few minutes tonight and had some ice cream as a reward aftewards.
- Now, we are sitting on the couch, and I have a book that is due tomorrow so I better get to reading.
March 24, 2025
- On this first day of spring break, I woke Campbell up at an early 10:00 so she could come and run some errands with me. On the opposite side of things, Whitman woke up around 4 this afternoon.
- Campbell and I went to Nonna and Pops' house first. Campbell had a quesadilla for her early lunch while I help Pops send an email. Then we went to Walmart where Campbell was shocked by the amount of money that I spent. It wasn't that much, but I had a few things on the list, and it added up quickly.
- Then we stopped at her favorite place-HteaO-and she used a gift card to buy herself a drink. Keaton called right when we were about to leave asking if I would go in and get her a drink. I did, but she had to pay for that.
- We came home, and I went to work on a few things from my Spring Break list. My goal is to knock out 2.5 items a day. Some of those are things that I don't want to do-like clean the potties. And some of those things are just going to take me a few days-like get things ready for Camp Geyer.
- I have to try out all of my recipes for Camp Geyer (I'm in change of the cooking track) so I can write down every step and everything that I need (1/4 t of salt per child, 2 T of greek yogurt per child, 1 plastic spoon....you get the picture.)
- Usually, I would just make one recipe that uses the oven and one recipe that doesn't involve cooking each day. Last year, however, I was brave and made two recipes that used the oven one day. This time, I'm going to try to make one recipe in the oven and while that is cooking make one recipe on a griddle. (30-40 kids so I'll need quite a few griddle action happening)
- Anyway, today I was going to try out my mini apple pie recipe-we had bought all of the ingredients this weekend for me to sample everything. I couldn't find my apple though today. Robby said he had already stopped Keaton from eating it yesterday. I asked Campbell, but she said no, so I went to ask Whitman. He was still snoozing, but he quickly said that he had an apple. I asked if it was good, and he said yes so I let him go back to sleep.
- I moved on to my griddle recipe. I had to fourth the recipe which was fairly easy since some recipes usually make 20 things when I need each kid to just make their own so that is some math happening. I should have timed myself making the recipe, but I did take how long it took on the griddle-about a minute a half per side. If each griddle can get 5 on, and I have 30-40 kids, and 4 griddles, then each griddle will need to do 2 batches. This means that they can all be cooked on 10 minutes-who knew there would be so much math involved in Vacation Bible School.
- In the middle of my cooking and mathing, Graham wrote asking if I was coming to Bryant. Robby had just left the house. He wanted a pickleball paddle and offered to just come and get it. I told him that I would meet him so we met, and then he went to play pickleball with some buddies.
- When I came back, Campbell mentioned that I left the kitchen in a wreck. I explained that I had to write everything out and make my detailed notes before I cleaned up.
- After I did all of that I read some before taking Bentley on a walk. Both girls had friends over tonight so Robby brought home food when he came home. We all ate, and now I'm trying to decide if I want to read some more or if I want to look at school things for next year.
March 23, 2025
- Church this morning, but we didn't have to wake anyone up. Whitman was already in the living room when I got up, and Robby said that he could hear the girls moving upstairs getting ready. He also text Graham just to make sure that he was awake, and he was.
- Graham met us at church-he was able to leave much later than we usually do since he was so much closer to the church house. Church was a little bit down, but the kids Sunday school was really down-Whitman said that were only about 20 people there (and 4 of those were Dennies.).
- We then all went to Grannyom's to eat lunch. We ate and then watched a little bit of a basketball game before heading home. Robby and I dropped off the 3 littles, and then we left again.
- We dropped the suburban off at the shop-it isn't blowing cold air which is fine now, but in a few weeks that won't be ok. The suburban is about 180 miles from having 400,000 miles on it. We can't put too much money in it so if the price is too high, we might just have ourselves a winter only car.
- We then went to Kroger to pick up a few snacks for Graham. We stocked him up with waffles, sandwhich things, my leftover from last night, some panda express, leftover cinnamon rolls. and some lemonade. He won't starve for the next few days at least.
- I didn't talk to Reagan today, but she is having fun with her friends. They spent a good deal of their morning at church, and then went back for Sunday night church this evening. Since Anderson is on the cruise, we aren't able to talk to him. However, Robby is signed in to the ship's ap where the boys can text, so he gets some of their text. They are texting things like, "basketball?" "ice cream?" and "belly flop contest at 1?" So we figure that they are having a lot of fun.
- When we made it home this afternoon, I laid down for a minute while Robby worked on his computer. Then I started on supper-I made chicken enchiladas which I think were pretty good. Then I made a chocolate cobbler which was good as well. The Wilsons came over and we were able to eat, visit, and watch basketball for a good while. Now we are watching the end of a game, and then the wonderful weekend will be over.
March 22, 2025
- I believe that I have completed my cinnamon roll challenge. This morning I woke up and made my 5th batch of cinnamon rolls (it may have been my 6th batch-I can't remember). And today, was actually the winning cinnamon rolls.
- Here were all of the cinnamon roll results. 1. Cook like Lauren's cinnamon rolls (Sara's recommendation) 2. Sourdough discard cinnamon rolls. 3. Sourdough cinnamon rolls (Sara's recommendation). 4. Traci's cinnamon roll recipe 5. Pulaski Tech's cinnamon roll class recipe. 6. Pioneer Woman's cinnamon rolls.
- This was a fun experiment, but please don't send my your cinnamon roll recipes. I have not moved on to collecting 12 excellent cake recipes. (I have 3.) I really would like to perfect some type of sandwich bread ( sourdough or yeast), but I haven't started on that quest.
- After Robby and I ate, we headed off to run a few errands. Then we came back home to quickly wake up the girls and Whitman so we could head to Grannymom's house. Graham met us there, and we watched the Hogs play their basketball game.
- Around that same time, or maybe earlier in the day Anderson and his crew boarded their ship for the next few days. Robby is able to see some of the boys' text on the app-looks like they are having fun and staying busy.
- I left early with Campbell, Keaton, and Whitman. I dropped the girls off at their babysitting gig, and then Whitman and I came home. I was able to nap and then wake up in time to see the Hogs pull off an upset.
- Robby and I went out to eat with the McGuires tonight. The food was good, but the conversation was even better. Graham came and picked up his sisters from their babysitting house and brought them home. On his way back to his house sitting house, he picked up some supper.
- We came home tonight, and the three kids here were cycling through the showers getting ready for tomorrow.
March 21, 2025
- I woke Anderson up first this morning. He got up, took a shower, and then checked and rechecked his list. I think that he was little worried about forgetting something. I then dropped him off at Daniel's, and they headed towards Galveston. I've talked to him once today, and he said that they were almost there.
- When I came home, I woke up Graham. He did one school thing, and then it was just about time for him and Campbell to leave for work. They don't have to work on Monday so they were pleased about that.
- I spent most of the morning marking things off of my list and being pretty productive. I wasn't nearly as productive this afternoon or evening. I have a list of things I want to do over Spring Break, but I can already tell my list might have been a bit much to actually accomplish.
- Reagan and her crew left this afternoon. They were headed to a friend's house for Spring Break. She has had this trip planned since early last semester so I know that they are going to have so much fun-one place they are going to stop is Costco.
- When Graham came in from work, he was here for a little bit before he left. He went to his dog sitting gig. He did send me a picture for their two tvs plus his computer all turned on to basketball. You could even see the dog in the background so he isn't completely neglecting his responsibilities.
- Keaton and Whitman spent a bit of the afternoon on the trampoline. They were having a challenge to see who could stay on the trampoline the longest. Whitman won so tomorrow he will claim a box of candy.
- Tonight I made some cheese fries for supper for the kids. I didn't have any of those, and instead I had hot chocolate and then later on ice cream. Basketball has been on the tv all day long, and it is still on.
March 20, 2025
- Since Campbell and Keaton didn't have Mother's Day Out today, they didn't have much school to do so they slept in this morning. That just meant that the boys were the only ones awake working. Whitman will finish his language arts tomorrow so I gave him the choice of doing two lessons today or one today and one tomorrow so he, not surprisingly, picked to do one tomorrow.
- Around 1, Whitman and Anderson left to go and do some yard work at Pops' house. They picked up some sticks and pulled up a bush or two. Anderson then hurried home, dropped Whitman off, and had just a few minutes at home before he left to work soccer practice.
- I also left at 1 with everyone else. Graham wanted a hair cut, and Campbell and Keaton just wanted to leave the house. I dropped them off at Target, and then we went to get Graham's hair cut. His hair cut is pretty short, but it really looks good-and I usually feel like they don't cut it short enough.
- The girls had a good shopping trip at Target. Campbell had a gift card leftover from her birthday so she had an especially fun trip spending it. She spent more than her gift card, but fortunately for her, whens he came home, she had a check waiting for her in the mail.
- Most of the afternoon and the evening has been spent watching basketball around here. While Anderson was at practice, the rest of us went to Grannymom's house to watch the Hogs play. We were all rooting for the Razorbacks except for Whitman who didn't pick them on his bracket.
- Robby and I just had a little bit of ice cream, and now Anderson is going to finish packing for his trip! Graham is planning on packing a tv for his dog sitting gig so I guess those things will be gathered tonight too.
March 19, 2025
- Once again Bentley refused to go on a walk this morning. She was fine walking this afternoon despite the wind so I'm not sure what is going on in her little head. Honestly, I would prefer not waking with her in the morning since I'm needing to hurry, but she needs to go out and do all of her business so I have to take her at least for a little bit.
- We did our school this morning, and things went smoothly. Anderson and Whitman were going to go and pick up sticks for Pops today, but with the wind like it was, they put that off until tomorrow. We had to chase grill covers and outdoor cushions a few times today.
- Graham and Campbell went to work today, but they were hoping that the power would go ahead and just stay out so they could skip work. Our power has blinked on and off all day-tonight it blinked for the longest it had yet, but so far it always does come back on.
- Tonight was church for everyone-Campbell drove me to the library. She sure was not going to go from the library to church at 5 since traffic is wild. I think that she could have done it, but she was quick to switch seats with me.
- After church, Campbell, Anderson, and Graham all went to Chickfila. I found me some leftover mexican for supper, but that was kind of spicy so now I would like some ice cream, but that would involve me getting off of the couch so I'm not sure about that.
March 18, 2025
- I tried to take Bentley on a walk this morning, but we made it to the driveway when she stopped. I think that she heard some dogs barking, and she was not going to go one step farther either way. I had to drag her back to the house.
- I then woke everyone up for school-some of the kids get right up (Whitman) while others don't (Anderson). The kids are slowly plugging through their school work. I'm making Whitman do extra on his language arts this week so he will be finished with that-this will save him (and me) lots of time every day.
- We had finished with most everything school wise by 12:30 when I left with Campbell and Graham. Our main mission was for Graham to take his writing accuplacer test-well, he took it. Last time he just needed one more point so I thought surely he would do it today. Maybe because Campbell was with me or maybe because I was sure he could do it today, I didn't think about writing the grandmas to have them start praying for his score-I should have done that.
- I know that he was discouraged afterwards-I certainly was. He has until probably July to get the score he needs, but I think that worst case scenario will be that he can take the class that he needs next spring and have more time on the test.
- We then went to pick up Campbell's glasses. She has been so anxiously awaiting them. Of course she looks cute in them-and she kept talking about how much better she could see. I think that her prescription is pretty similar and possibly even the same. Maybe these are just a lot cleaner.
- When we came home, I finished working with Whitman and urged him to finish his work. I then started to pull things out for Anderson to take on his trip. Anderson left to go to work this afternoon while I was getting ready to leave for my class meeting.
- I left a bit early so I could buy some snacks for Anderson's trip on Friday and for the family that he is riding down there with. I also bought a few things for the Operation Christmas child shoeboxes-my goal is to do them in March each year so I'm steadily working on those (if I spend a little bit of extra money each time I shop, Robby never notices.)
- I then went to class meeting-there were lots of good food there. Our activity tonight was bingo-we had all paid some so there were prizes. I did win the very first prize-paper plates and napkins which will be perfect for our Easter lunch.
- Robby came home with pizza for the kids to eat, and when I came home Andrew was over visiting with Robby. He had brought us a lemon blueberry pound cake from costco which Robby and I have always wanted to try and have just never bought.
- Keaton spent a good deal of the evening sewing-her and her friend have sold about 6 or maybe more shirts. She is working on finishing 2 of them tonight and tomorrow. I'm glad that she has a project to do-I haven't started on my next crochet project. I actually haven't even been able to concentrate enough to read lately so I'm getting behind on all of my things.
March 17, 2025
- Robby, Graham, and I left at 8 this morning to head to Arkadelphia for Tiger Day. Graham went with us last year when Anderson went to Tiger Day, but this year was just for him. We stopped to get gas on the way but were still there in plenty of time.
- This was my third Tiger Day, and my 7th college visit with the kids, but this was Robby's first Tiger Day. It began in Berry Chapel, but then we moved to academic sessions. This was a smaller group there today, so when we stood to go to the humanities department to learn more about communications, we were the only ones headed that way.
- That worked out well for Graham because we were able to learn all about communications and the different emphasis that you could have in that major. It was a great visit. Now, we don't know if Graham will choose communications or not, but we do have a lot more information about it.
- After that part of the day, Graham went to the student part where he won the question game about Ouachita. It did help that he was there last year. He won a bag, notebook, beach towel, water bottle, and a few pens.
- We met up for lunch which was delicious. Reagan even found us-she text to tell me that she was coming-so Robby and I filled our plates full for her to eat some of ours. A bit later we saw her again while we were on our tour. We skipped out on the rest of the tour and had Reagan buy us a smoothie with her lunch money.
- While we headed home, I would bet that the kids left here (Whitman especially) did some scrambling to finish his school work. It looked like everything had been done when I came in, plus they checked some of their math so I didn't have too much to check this afternoon.
- Jennifer and Stuart dropped by with a huge meal from our Sunday school class. It was from Tacos for Life, and it was plenty of food and fed all of us plus Grannymom, Cash, and Dana with lots of leftovers for tomorrow.
- Anderson went to work all afternoon getting ready for the first night of Upward Soccer. Before he went to work, he took Campbell to work this afternoon. This was also Keaton and Whitman's first soccer practice. Their coach let practice out a bit early since a yummy supper was waiting on him. (Their coach is Robby.)
- After picking up Robby, I came home for a bit, and then left with Graham and Campbell. We ran two of Robby's errands and then went to Grannymom's house and unloaded the food. Robby, Keaton, and Whitman showed up, and we all ate!
- When we came home, Graham had a bit of school work to do, and I made a dessert for tomorrow. That all didn't leave much couch time for us this evening, but soon we will head to bed-and maybe that is better than the couch.
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