- 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 31, 2025
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.
March 16, 2025
- This Sunday was a little different because Robby was out of bed before I was-usually, I'm the first one in the shower on Sunday. It was fine though because we were still moving around early and everyone had time for our shower. Graham usually takes a morning shower so some Sundays he has to go upstairs since our shower is full.
- We made it to church and joined Grannymom on our row. I did spend most of the service looking around trying to find Anderson. His group was in the balcony again this week-I figured that was where he was, but in the back of my mind I always wonder if he is behind the church smoking. (He wasn't.)
- After Sunday school, we went to Nonna and Pops' house for lunch. They had pizza which was delicious to me and everyone else. We were able to visit for a while, and then Reagan and Ethan left to head to a play in Benton.
- We left soon after they did. This afternoon Graham and I went to meet the dog that he is dogsitting next week. After that, we met up with Robby bringing all of the life groupers. Graham took Robby's car and drove on to life group while Robby and I drove to the cemetery really quickly.
- Then we came home, and I worked on a few things around the house. Soon it was 8:30, and we all met up at the Wilson's house to celebrate Brett's birthday. Shannon had oreo delight and corn casserole (their leftover supper).
- The kids left after Brett did, and Robby and I stayed out too late visiting. I'm finishing up the blog much later than usual, and when I am done there are some towels to fold before my shower.
March 15, 2025
- Robby, Keaton, and I left this morning. Our first stop was to pick up Campbell who had spent the night at a friend's house-she said that she went to sleep around 5 this morning. Then we had a minute to kill so we ran to the gas station to get them drinks, and Robby bought me a hot chocolate
- Campbell and Keaton were dropped off next since their babysitting gig started at 10:45. Robby and I then headed to Grannymom's house. We saw Les and Shelley off and visited some. After a bit, I ran to Sams, Kroger, Walmart, and ChickFila.
- Reagan had been out shopping with Kennedy so they came by for a few minutes. Reagan showed us all of the things that she bought today. When Reagan headed home, Robby and I went to take a few Amazon things back. Plus we had a quick run to Costco and Kroger since Reagan had requested a few snacks.
- It was around 5 when we came home, and the big boys were out playing basketball. Some sweet friends had dropped off a basket off goodies, and Graham had already dug into the peanut butter cups. We weren't too far behind him in getting snacks from the basket too.
- Whitman found us on the couch, and Robby turned on a movie, Moana 2, that we are all watching. I was actually doing a little bit of snoozing, but eventually I did wake up a bit.
- We then watched baseball and basketball, until it was time to get the babysitters. They didn't roll in until after 10:30, but thankfully Reagan volunteered to go and pick them up. I know that the girls are exhausted from being gone all day so they will definitely sleep tonight.
March 14, 2025
- Robby didn't sleep too much last night plus I was awake some too. I would try to be quiet so not to wake him up when I tip toed to the bathroom though. We were both up before my alarm went off. I did the morning things, and then we all started to get ready.
- All of the boys needed showers-there was some confusion when Whitman took Graham's clothes thinking they were his. We did catch him before he put them on though, but I had to tell him that he couldn't put his shirt on just yet because we didn't want for it to wrinkle.
- At about 11:15 we all loaded up for Grandpa's funeral. You never want to drive up to the church and see the hearse and family cars out front-especially when those cars are for your family.
- We didn't get many pictures today, and we wished that we had snapped a few more, but today was a wonderful celebration of Grandpa's life and the legacy that he has left. We began with the visitation-the kids knew some people but didn't know most...and I was the same.
- Then it was time for the service. Robby, Les, and Dana all spoke, and they all did a great job. I know that they were relieved when they had finished speaking-I was relieved for them. Brother Paul and Brad all did excellent as well. When it was over, the grandsons (8 of them) were the pallbearers.
- The boys had to help move the casket at the cemetery, and I was a bit nervous that one of them would fall into the hole, but all of that went just as smoothly as the whole day did. The cemetery service was short, and when it was over, we headed back to church for a late lunch. Virginia's Sunday school class had a meal prepared for all of us-it was all very good, and I think that we were all hungry.
- When we finished there, we headed back to Grannymom's house for a little bit. Of course most people found something else to snack on. We visited for a while, and then we headed home-but first we took Campbell to a friend's house to spend the night.
- When Robby and I made it home, we unloaded the car-then we worked on Reagan's new sandals adding a hole in the strap plus he sent out a note to his soccer team about practice on Monday. We were both sitting in the bed before 10 though, and the house is pretty quiet. I know that everyone is tired for sure.
March 13, 2025
- Robby took Keaton and Campbell to Mother's Day out this morning-Keaton was originally a floater. Then she was moved into a classroom-since she has been in that classroom, 2 or possibly 3 teachers have left. Now she is kind of the lead teacher in the classroom.
- On the way to church, Robby stopped to get them a drink. I guess Campbell had her hands full with her drink and left her air pods in the car. She didn't really need them, but I bet that it made for a long naptime.
- The rest of us did school around here. Thursdays are busy with me staying busy getting school ready for next week. I'm going to be gone with Graham on Monday so I should have lightened their school load on that day, but I kind of forgot so everyone has everything which just means I have will have a lot to check when I roll in during the late afternoon.
- Louanne brought over breakfast items, and our neighbors brought over a huge meal. I think I've said it every night, but people have been so kind and thoughtful. I picked up the girls from church and ran to Nonna's to pick up Robby's suit that Pops' had ironed. When a suit comes from Amazon, it needs to be ironed.
- This afternoon Reagan came in so we caught up with her. Then Robby left again with Campbell and Keaton to finally take them to Texas Roadhouse. He then dropped them off at church to work tonight-they have probably already paid for their Geyer summer camps and are now working on paying for their brothers' camps to which I'm so thankful (they may be a bit bitter about it though.)
- We all met up with Robby at Grannymom's house for supper. Nonna and Pops' had taken supper to her house, and we took the supper from the neighbor's so we had plenty to eat. We stayed there and visited until it was time to go and pick up the girls from church.
March 12, 2025
- Another day of crazy school here. We were leaving to go watch the basketball game at Grannymom's house around 11, so we had to hurry on through school. Everyone else always understands this, but Whitman needs a little motivation to move quickly.
- I kept him near me so I could just hand him the next thing to do. That always works well, and he was pretty much done with all of the important things by the time that we left. Anderson stayed home to keep working on his school work.
- Graham and Campbell were able to watch a few minutes of the ballgame before they headed to work. I think that Graham was able to watch a bit of the game while he did work. Whitman and I didn't watch all of the game because we left to run a few errands. I told Whitman that we could do our Walmart run in 20 minutes, and he set the timer which I took as a mission. We rushed through that store making it to the car with just seconds to spare.
- We came home after the game, and I'm not really sure what all we did. Robby tried to work some magic on the air in the suburban, and I did not to spelling with Whitman-there is always tomorrow.
- Soon though Campbell and Graham came home, so I left immediately with Campbell and Keaton. We went to church early so Keaton could go to her dgroup. After dropping them off, I ran to the library, and then back to church.
- Tonight, Robby went to Grannymoms' house for a bit, and after church everyone but Whitman and I went to ChickFilA-we just came home. Now, I'm about to have me some hot chocolate and maybe read some.
March 11, 2025
- We all did the school thing this morning, well, all of us except for Campbell. She went to babysit someone's grandkids for a bit this morning. She did say that it was an adventure. Since she was gone, it was a bit quieter for me-there was not as much school for me to check.
- I was able to go and pick Campbell up. Then I hurried home to take Graham to take his accuplacer test. He needed a score of 251, and last time his score was about 243. However, his school was 250-so he didn't quiet get the score he needed, but he is super close.
- We still celebrated that close score with Chickfila (it was free) on our way home. Plus I have already rescheduled the test for next Tuesday...and if he doesn't pass, I have already decided we will do it next Thursday too.
- We came home, and I took a walk-actually, I took a walk with Whitman's pokemon. I had to stop and try to feed it, but then I couldn't feed it. Since I didn't want to kill it, I headed home. I enjoy him (Whitman, not the pokemon) walking with me during the afternoons more than I enjoy babysitting his pokemon.
- When I did come home, Whitman and I watched the movie that I had checked out from the library. (Last time I checked out a movie from the library, my dad fell and spent a few days in the hospital, and when I checked out this movie Grandpa started getting really sick. Robby told me that I can't borrow any more movies from the library.)
- We watched White Bird-it was very good. We have all read the book and at one time the book was one of Keaton's favorites. Whitman and I watched all of the movie, and then we all loaded up to go and eat at Grannymom's house.
- We stayed over there for a bit tonight watching the baseball game. When we did get home, the boys played basketball for a bit, and then everyone slowly took showers. Right now, Keaton and Whitman are making popsicles-and it is well past bedtime.
- When I was talking to the kids about how kind people had been today, I mentioned that we have had so many offers of food that I have turned down. Whitman and Graham decided that if someone asked them what they could do, they would say, "my grandmother really loves s'mores pop tarts."
March 10, 2025
- Robby called me at 7 this morning to let me know that Grandpa had entered heaven last night. I was up pretty soon afterwards to start the morning since I knew it would be a little busy. I was able to talk to my folks, but it took forever for Reagan to call me back. Of course, she knew why I was calling when I had text her to call me.
- I then woke up the kids to let them know. The kids and I could barely get school work done today because Geyer and Rock Creek people were texting-so we spent a good deal of the day talking about how blessed we are to have so many people that care for us and how we need to be intentional about loving on others.
- Campbell and Graham went to work this afternoon while I finished working with Whitman and took a walk with him and Bentley. (I should have left Bentley at home because if she couldn't see Whitman, she would stop walking until he was in front of her.)
- Nonna and Pops came over for a little bit this afternoon and visited. After they left, I ran with Keaton to pick up Reagan's water bottle. Then we stopped in Kroger to pick up some chips. We then hurried home, and I did a bit of school work with Graham before we left to go and eat supper at Grannymom's house.
- We had sliders, and I even sampled some of enchiladas that they ate yesterday. The boys were watching an Arkansas State basketball game so when it was over we headed home. Robby is actually still awake doing work, but I don't think that he will be awake too much longer since he is exhausted.
- Whitman and I have a movie to watch that I thought we could have watched tonight, but maybe tomorrow-or maybe I should just skip school tomorrow and watch that movie in the morning.
March 9, 2025
- Even though it was time change Sunday, I was still surprised at how dark it was this morning. However, I couldn't hit snooze because usually every night Robby put the clothes in the dryer. Since he has been gone, I have done that but last night I was exhausted and knew that I wouldn't be getting up later that night or in the middle of the night so I had to hurry and get up and get my jeans (and the other clothes) in the dryer. (Maybe I should buy myself another pair of church jeans.)
- Thankfully, the clothes were dry before I was able to wake all of the kids up. This morning Anderson had offering and so did Robby and I. However, I really don't plan on doing the offering (not sure why I signed up) so Campbell did it for me last time, and Graham did it this time. Keaton also took Robby's spot.
- Robby was able to make it to church for a little bit, and then he went back to Grannymom's house. The rest of us stayed for Sunday school. We didn't know that Anderson had a meeting after church, but I stood around talking longer than his meeting was.
- We came home, and the boys moved a few things to the driveway to be picked up by the city tomorrow while the girls heated up orange chicken for supper. We all ate, and then everyone but Anderson and Whitman napped. Anderson and I made chocolate chip cookies for him to take to his life group tonight.
- When he left around 6, I started to think that I should make sure everyone wakes up. By the time that I could actually wake them all up, they woke up on their own. Soon Robby came home for a little bit with ice cream.
- We took his ice cream to the Wilson's house to visit for a little bit. Once we came home, Robby took a shower and then headed back to Grannymom's house.
March 8, 2025
- This morning started out early for me. I did my laundry and dishes, and then I headed to Arkadelphia. Originally, Robby and I were going to down together and run a few errands (mystery shops) on the way there and the way home. Since he couldn't go with me, I decided that I would still do his errands.
- I stopped at two gas stations on the way there and made it to Ouachita in plenty of time for my first EEE mom's day. It was a lot of fun-when we walked in there were booths were we could do a little bit of shopping (we didn't). Then we moved into Walker Conference Center which was full of tables, moms, and daughters. Everything was beautifully decorated, and there was a lot of food-at least when we went through the line.
- While we were there, Robby asked the kids at home if they wanted to come to Grannymom's for Zaxbys for lunch. They are incredible kids and said that they would all come-it did help that Zaxbys was offered up.
- Reagan was heading to Little Rock to shop so she ended up driving her own car and meeting her friends later. Since I had more shops on the way home, I was the last one to show up-but Les' kids were all there plus some of Dana's. Everyone ate, stood around and visited, and watched some old family videos. It was a very good and relaxed day (and a good make up day for Thursday for my kids). Whitman is probably having the hardest time of all my kids right now.
- The kids all left, and I stayed a bit longer. Tonight Robby and I ran to get him a hamburger, and then he came home to shower before heading back to Virginia's house. For supper here, the big boys had leftover pizza, and Keaton made nachos.
- Campbell and Whitman were a little more adventurous and made themselves sour dough pizza crust. Then they made a cheese pizza and a dessert pizza. I had a bite of both, and they were both very good.
- The kids are cycling through the showers right now, and soon we are headed to bed around here-tomorrow is time change plus we are tired!
March 7, 2025
- It was kind of quiet this morning in the house. I eventually went upstairs to tell the boys that I was leaving and wake Graham up. I was able to tell that that Grandpa was having a much better day, so I was going to run some errands with Robby.
- I left and picked up Robby. We ran a few errands and picked up some groceries. Then I dropped him back off at Grannymom's house. I came home to find Whitman still sleeping, and Graham and Campbell already at work.
- I did a few things around the house but ended up taking a little nap this afternoon. Robby came home for a while before leaving again.
- As soon as Campbell came home from work, Keaton, Campbell, and I ran a few errands. We went to Walmart and bought a few things that have been on the list for too long. Then we headed to Costco to buy a few more things including supper for everyone.
- We did then run to Taco Bell to pick up food for Keaton. We did accidentally order it in Benton so her two tacos ended up being a bit more than we had planned. It was fine though because everyone was pleased with their dinners.
- Campbell and I are sitting on the couch watching tv for a little bit. And I'm about to get up and eat my half of my chocolate chip cookie.
March 6, 2025
- Robby took Keaton and Campbell to work this morning while Whitman and I started on school. The big boys both finished up their history papers and turned them in a week early-such motivation they have. Ha! I'm the one that motivates those boys.
- Thursdays are different with the girls not here. It is a bit slower, but it is also a bit busier for me-I'm not exactly sure how that works. I did pick up the girls from work, and we headed to buy Campbell's new glasses.
- We were home for a little bit, and then we went to Grannymom and Grandpa's house. The kids were able to talk to Grandpa and tell him that they love him. The van ride home was kind of quiet, and even though I offered to pick up supper, Graham wanted the pre planned grilled cheese. We did stop at Sonic for a few drinks though.
- The boys played basketball when we came home while I worked on supper. It never fails, anytime that I plan on making grilled cheese I barely have enough cheese or bread. Today it was bread that I was almost out of-it did take over a loaf to make sandwiches for this crew (which is because we do have the good bread right now which has a lot fewer slices.)
- We all ate in the living room while Anderson explained the car racing that was on tv. Right now Campbell sitting downstairs chatting with me-actually she is tying to figure out if she is going to go to bed or make a snack. The food choices are limited here so tomorrow is a grocery store run most definitely.
March 5, 2025
- Bentley and I were planning to go on a walk this morning. However, while I was brushing Bentley, the wind was blowing like crazy. I quickly decided that I would rather take a pass on my walk than be crushed by a tree branch on this Wednesday morning.
- I did walk on the treadmill, but soon it was time to wake up everyone. I had already woken up Whitman because he wanted me to wake him up-he enjoys a little bit of ipad time before we start on school.
- We did our morning stuff, and the kids got started on their school. For some reason today, we were moving pretty quickly. I sat around for a while waiting on someone to work with. I was finished with everyone (but my afternoon work with Whitman) way earlier than usual. It was a strange school day.
- Whitman's language arts book had a recipe to make a few days ago. The recipe was a cucumber salad, and I sure knew that no one here would eat that, so we opted to make chocolate chip biscuits. That was definitely a much butter choice than cucumber salad. The biscuits were all gone by the time that we left for church.
- This afternoon I tried to get a few things ready for later in the week, but I also ended up taking a short nap on the couch after baking with Whitman. Soon though Graham and Campbell rolled in from work, and we headed to on to church.
- After church, I ran by ChickFilA on the way home with Keaton and Whitman. The others were all eating there. At home, the rest of us ate our suppers, and now Robby and I are watching the rest of us our documentary.
March 4, 2025
- Once again I was having to hurry through school today. It seems like we have a lot of work happening right now, and we just can't all get it finished before one because everyone is having to wait on me.
- At 1 today, I had my make up doctor's appointment while yesterday, I had my make up eye appointment. Now, I was nice last week when the doctor asked me about schedule my annual appointment (which was why I was already there) and when the eye place told me they had cancelled my appointment. This week I was still nice, but I'm a bit over it-I didn't find one doctor's jokes funny, I didn't engage in chit chat, and I just answered the questions. Maybe I won't have any appointments for a while, and I can get a better attitude about my medical professionals.
- Anderson was already gone for soccer evals this afternoon when I came home. Keaton went with him again and even convinced Campbell to join her. They both were able to help and able to have some fun this afternoon so that was good. I tried to convince Whitman to go with them, but he had had enough of Raymar yesterday.
- When I did come home, I had to work with Whitman pretty quickly-today, he was writing a sentence that I dictated to him, and I realized that his spelling has so improved. When I finished with him, I had some work to do with Graham. That didn't take us too long, but it was still nearly 4 when I finished.
- I want to crochet a granny square blanket next, but before I buy my yarn I want to figure out how to make them successfully. I watched a few videos and tried a little bit. I still have a few questions, but I think that I will at least be able to get started.
- When Anderson and his crew headed home, I asked what they wanted for supper and heated up. Robby had brought Graham and Whitman burgers home. The others picked a pizza, mashed potatoes, cheese dip, and pork tenderloin. I had myself mashed potatoes and bbq, but this is definitely the last day I can pass leftovers off as a real meal.
- Robby is heating up his supper and changing a light bulb, and we are about to watch a documentary. I would normally read but the book I'm reading isn't keeping my interest, so I started another one which is also not keeping my interest!
March 3, 2025
- This Monday morning was a little bit crazy, but we managed. This is Monday isn't it? We had to hurry through a few things since I had to take Graham and Campbell to work and then hurry to my eye appointment.
- It was almost time for me to go when I was reading a paragraph of Anderson's and needing to give Whitman his spelling words, so Keaton was in the right place at the right time to help out. We managed to get everything finished...well, Anderson and Graham both have something left today, but since it is almost 8, and they are outside playing basketball, I'm not holding my breath that they will finish those last few things.
- Graham and Campbell had work all afternoon. They thought that they would finish early but were able to work the entire afternoon so that was good-at least for their bank accounts.
- Anderson had to work soccer evals, and Keaton and Whitman had their evals this afternoon. They went early with Anderson, and then they ended up staying all afternoon helping with the evals. I think they had a few expired things from the concession stand, but they were still pretty chilly when they made it home.
- I had my eye appointment, grabbed some food, and then ran to Nonna and Pops' house for a little bit. Robby had a few errands and he spent some time at Grannymom and Grandpa's house. Everyone started arriving home around 5, and I heated up supper for folks as they came in.
- Now, Whitman, Campbell, Keaton, Robby, and I are watching a few episodes of the Rookie so we can catch up. I'm planning on getting myself some hot chocolate in a little bit as well.
March 2, 2025
- Sunday morning here-everyone was up a decent time. Campbell was already awake and asking me to turn the lights on in their room to which Reagan and Keaton viciously disagreed. Graham uses our shower usually, but on Sunday mornings he has to go on upstairs to the bonus room, so I had already gotten his shampoo and conditioner out of our bathroom for him to take upstairs. I did have to keep calling his name until the shampoo was gone-that is when I knew that he was awake.
- We did have to take 3 cars to church today. After church, Anderson left in the suburban to go to a birthday party at Raymar. Graham went to Top Golf with his Sunday School class. The rest of us went to eat lunch at Nonna and Pops' house.
- We ate and then visited before we headed home. I thought that Reagan was going to leave a little bit before she did, but she didn't really get on the road until around 5. Graham had already driven Keaton and Whitman to their life group, picked up one of Campbell's friends and took her and Campbell to their lifegroup.
- Robby and I went to the Wilson's house for supper. We visited even more there and finally came home to start the worst part of the week-Sunday night.
March 1, 2025
- This first day of March-we were kind of productive. Reagan took Anderson's senior pictures this afternoon. That was on my list for some time in March, but she was home. It just took about 15 minutes, and some of that time was us hurrying to get Anderson dressed so they could get outside before the sun set. This short photo session made Anderson happy, and marking senior pictures off of my list made me happy. (Plus Robby liked Reagan's price-some snacks from Walmart.)
- The morning started off with the girls going to the mall with one of Reagan's friends. Reagan had a formal dress to buy. She was able to find a dress and so was Keaton-one dress cost 10 and one dress cost a little more than that. They were both pleased though.
- Robby and I had been running a few errands this morning. We even had lunch at Catina Laredo-Robby liked his, but I didn't like mine. Maybe I am not just at "eat out" girl. I did, however, like the cheese dip and the diet coke. I had so many that I had to go to the bathroom at just about every stop on the way home.
- I dropped Robby off at Grannymom and Grandpa's house and the girls were there as well. They visited and then ended up buying some snacks and getting gas for Reagan. I went home to unload the food for the boys and unload the rest of the car. Then I had a project.
- At the last gas station with Robby, I was taking my airpod out when I just dropped it between the seats. You would have thought it would have been easy to get, but in the gas station parking lot we managed to push it more under the seat. (It wasn't just under the seat, but wedged in a spot that we couldn't really see or reach.)
- I worked for about 20 minutes, and finally rigged up a one of Whitman's magnets on a tiny stick. Graham then came out to help me and was able to slowly pull it out. He saved us about 100 bucks because that is what another one would have cost. Robby said we could have taken the seat apart, but I think that might have costed more by the time that project was over. Thankfully, we were able to get it and now maybe I will be more careful and not wear them in the car.
- We had a few choices for supper tonight-hamburgers, leftovers, pizza, pasta, bbq, and afterwards the big boys headed out to play some basketball. I am going to read some and work on my March calendar in a bit now.
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