April 30, 2025

(click for today's pictures) 

  • Everyone woke up easily this morning, but this is probably happening because I am upstairs before they wake up banging around starting the laundry. Then I usually go back up there to retrieve Bentley from the girls' room to take her outside, so when I finally wake them up, there has already been a lot of noise happening up there.
  • We all started on our school work, but goodness Whitman just keeps sneaking off and forgetting to do his work-I call up the stairs and ask him what he is doing. He usually replies, "nothing," and  I have to remind him to get to work. He eventually finishes everything, but tomorrow I will need to stay a bit more on top of him.
  • After school was over, I did a little bit of packing of the camper. While Campbell and Graham were at work, I took a short walk with Bentley. Anderson and I also worked on trying to find a work study job some more-we have our fingers crossed on a job so hopefully it will work out.
  • As soon as Campbell and Graham got home from work, all of us but Anderson headed to church for supper. They had taco salad for the workers-and it was excellent. There was a corn dip that I wanted to get myself a take home container of. 
  • It rained pretty good while we were at church-the wind made a mess of the yard, but at least we still have power at home. It was still raining pretty hard when church was over-so hard that I had Graham go and get the car for me. 
  • Once at home, I started on the blog, but for some reason I have been so distracted that it has taken longer than it should!

April 29, 2025

(click for today's pictures) 

  • This is the second day this week that Anderson has woken up without me going upstairs 17 times. Both days, I didn't even have to hollar from the kitchen trying to wake him up. Could my baby be growing up? He has probably just realized that the sooner he finishes his school, the sooner he can do whatever he would like.
  • I did have to rush Whitman today to finish his work because I wanted to work with him at noon. Poor guy, he is just slow; however, he is doing more work than all the others did in the 6th grade because I now know the very bust curriculum-he even does two whole different maths, but don't tell him.
  • I left early with Graham for him to take the silly accuplacer test-I guess the 5th or 6th time was actually the charm! Every time we talk about the score that he needs, but today he had a look on his face so I assumed he had passed. However, his look was of despair-he thought he needed 10 more points than he had gotten. He was super relieved when I told him the actual number that he needed-and he got that score plus 2 more points. 
  • He was pretty happy, but I was even more happy. He actually could have asked for anything at all, and I would have bought it for him on the way home. We did stop at Walmart, so he found himself some cookies-but I would have spent 3 times as much in celebration. Now I don't have to go back to Pulaski Tech until January when Campbell starts taking the Accuplacer to get ready for her concurrent classes. 
  • I took a walk when we came home, and then Robby and I ran to a few Krogers and Trader Joes. We were pretty much gone all afternoon, and it was after 6 when we came home. Now, Keaton was hungry, so she found out the super menu and went to town. Not only had she started on supper, she had finished supper when we walked in the door.
  • It was a small supper since Graham had played basketball with people this afternoon and was out to eat, and Anderson was at work still. We all ate and chatted, but then everyone went their own ways. 
  • Both boys are now home and will hopefully start studying for their test, and Campbell and Keaton are making themselves snacks for their Rookie watching tonight. Meanwhile, Whitman is still relieved that he found his phone-surprisingly, he isn't that attached to it, and only uses it when he leaves the house really. So he is often misplacing it or just laying it down somewhere-tonight he and the girls searched pretty hard before I finally found it in the bonus room. 

April 28, 2025

(click for today's pictures) 

  • This was kind of a slow Monday-last week, Anderson studied super hard for his CLEP test so this morning, he wasn't sure what to do with a lot less work. He and Graham have test on Thursday so they are starting to work hard on that.
  • Whitman, Keaton, and I have finished most of their morning books, so we are just doing the minimum which is super nice, and next week will be even lighter....but then our summer school things start up.
  • Everyone but Whitman were done pretty early this morning-I was able to take a walk right at lunch time. It was still hot today in the sun-thankfully, we have quite a bit of shade so for part of the walk, I just walked back and forth in the shaded parts of the street. 
  • I was able to make 2 granny squares today which made me happy-I believe I have about 80 more to go! I will be able to knock quite a few out this summer for sure, but then I have to figure out how to hook them all together. I guess I should start watching some videos.
  • Graham and Campbell went to work first, and then a bit later Anderson left for Raymar. This was the last soccer practice (we think) since next week is a game night. Robby was super happy to realize that this might be the last practice-practices are not his favorite at all.
  • I went to practice and took Bentley. She was absolutely perfect tonight-it is fun to bring her, but on game days it is just too hot and too busy. Tonight though she just sat beside me in the grass and took everything in which is why she is so exhausted.
  • We came home and heated up some leftovers for us. Campbell and Graham had already made themselves a pizza. Now people seem to be showering and hopefully the big boys are doing some studying.

April 27, 2025

(click for today's pictures) 

  • Our evening ended last night with Anderson and the piece of pie we brought home last night. He added to the plate a slice of the peanut butter pie from the fridge and began to eat. Robby, who was in bed, heard a squeal, and soon Anderson came knocking on our bedroom door. 
  • After eating most of the key lime pie, he had a bite of the whip cream on top-he knew something was wrong when the bite crunched. We have to assume that the wiggling bug that Anderson had just spit out landed on the pie when I brought it into the house. Our garage and all around the house has been overrun with beetles lately, but poor Anderson will never eat pie again!
  • The morning started off with much less drama. The big boys both had a hard time waking up-Graham was less than pleased when I finally told him that he just had 19 minutes until we left. He takes a morning shower so he was scrambling but had plenty of time.
  • We did church and then Sunday school, and then headed to Nonna and Pops' house for Sunday lunch. Grannymom even came to eat as well. They had made tacos and lots of dips which are always my favorites. We couldn't stay too long because Keaton had dgroup to get to.
  • Robby went to one side of town for an errand while I dropped off Keaton and went to the other side of town for a few errands. I also went to Walmart and bought completely the wrong thing-I was trying to get ahead but really just ended up more behind!
  • The other kids had already left for Collide Night tonight, and Keaton met them there. From there, Anderson drove all of them plus some extras to their lifegroups. 
  • Robby and I worked on supper-we took the east route and made chicken spaghetti. However, he did use a can of cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken, and maybe that is why I liked it so well tonight. 
  • Unfortunately, Robby and Tony had to go and pick up Whitman and Keaton plus some others. By the time that they delivered everyone to their houses, the big kids were almost home. Shannon and I ate while the men folk were gone, and when they came back, they ate while we visited with them.
  • Eventually, the evening was over and it was time to get ready for Monday...and I still have clothes in the dryer to fold (maybe they will still be damp and I'll have to wait!)

April 26, 2025

(click for today's pictures) 

  • It was an early morning-I had planned on taking Campbell to meet her buddies this morning at 6:45,but since that would eventually mean 3 different cars at Raymar today, Robby decided he would take the early morning shift.
  • They left at 6:20, and he dropped Campbell off at ChickFila where she joined Brooklyn and quite a few friends to attend the Heart Walk this morning in honor of Brooklyn. Campbell had a blast hanging out, eating pizza, and painting rocks. 
  • Anderson, Keaton, Whitman, and I passed Robby as he was pulling into our street, and we were pulling out at 7:10 so Anderson could get to Raymar at 7:30. Everyone else gets there before he does, but he is just fine with not getting there so early...and so am I. 
  • Anderson helped set things up, and Keaton helped as well. Whitman sat in the car for a few minutes with me while I ate my breakfast. Then we went in and started getting the concession stand ready-since I don't drink coffee I don't know how to make it! I am sure that every week people are surprised by how weak or how strong the coffee is-I just follow whatever directions ChatGPT give me that day on how to make the coffee!
  • Keaton and Whitman's game was early today so that was nice to be done with that. It was a tie-the other team caught up with a goal late in the game. Of course, Keaton is after the ball running up and down the field, but our Whitman does so well too. He usually gets to the ball to kick it or blocks the other players progress. He stays in the back, and today he ran to kick the ball and missed it (all of these kids do that occasionally (this is Upward)-at least he got in someone's way and slowed them down). But when he did miss the ball, he just laughed-I'm glad that he could laugh at himself (because really that is a useful life skill that some people just don't have.)
  • And all of the soccer games were much better today-maybe all of the problem coaches from last week were on their best behavior because the old man ref and preacher man were reffing their games. 
  • Since Robby's game was so early, we had plenty of time in the concession stand. During the last game, we just went to watch a game-Keaton was reffing that game so it was a good one to watch plus it was very nice weather today.
  • We all made it home around 4. Keaton hurried around because she went to a friend's church for an even tonight. The rest of us had frozen pizza and pretty much vegged all evening. Graham volunteered to pick up Keaton which of course we were happy about.
  • Robby and I went to the Wilson's house tonight. They had some Crumbl cookies-so Graham did ask for payment for picking up Keaton in the form of some of the Wilson's cookies. We even snuck out a a piece of key lime pie for Anderson.
  • When we came in, Whitman was the only one who hadn't had a shower so he quickly took his before all of these people headed to bed!

April 25, 2025

(click for today's pictures) 

  • I had a list of things I wanted to do today, so let's start with those: first, I wanted to walk 4 miles. I only got to 2 and a half. I walked a mile and a half this morning, and this afternoon I walked another mile. I was planning to do more, but the ice cream that Robby and I split at lunch caused me to have to hurry on home. 
  • I wanted to finish the book I was listening to and finish two of my granny squares, and I was able to do both of those. I also wanted to finish the book that I am reading. My kindle says that I have 4 hours of reading left on the book, and since I have to leave the house at 6:20 in the morning, I'm pretty sure I won't get to finish it tonight.
  • The boys were all up fairly early today. Anderson was the first one up-he had a big day. He took a CLEP test for sociology. It was supposed to start at 11, but it took almost an hour to get the computer set up for the test. He passed the test and earned himself 3 hours of a sociology credit which is required for a business degree. We were so pleased about this, that Robby told him he could order himself a Lego, which brought the biggest smile on Anderson's face.
  • He also found out that he got a class that he wanted for next semester-that was another win. What has not been a win is his search for a work study job-he thought he had one, but it fell through so we have emailed everyone and their mother...so far with no work. 
  • Graham and Campbell went to work today. They were pretty busy all day, and when they came home, Graham was hungry-like always. I gave everyone 9 different choices for supper, but they only picked pancakes, egg in the hole, sausage, and a grilled cheese. Robby and I were like short order cooks getting everything ready.
  • After supper, Robby and I ran to pick up pictures for Anderson's senior table. Then we walked around Costco for a little bit. While we were there, I was reminded that I need to get on shopping for his dorm room. We did buy him a fan today, and I tried to get him a pillow, but he didn't.
  • Anderson and Graham left around 8 to go and play pickleball. I'm glad they had something fun to do on this Friday night, the rest and us enjoyed some Costco cookies and watched tv.

April 24, 2025

 (click for today's pictures) 

  • Robby took Keaton and Campbell to work this morning while the rest of us started on our school work. "Started" is an interesting word choice-because Whitman's math still has not been "started" today. Everything else has been done for the day...well, actually I have to make sure that Graham has finished some of his work-but he is off playing pickleball at the moment.
  • Since the girls were gone today, things were a bit slower for me which allowed me to get school ready for next week and even a little bit ready for our summer work.
  • I took my walk right before church since no one was waiting to work with me. Then I had Whitman work with me early-while we were working, I started looking at his hair and decided that he would get to go with Anderson and I for Anderson's hair cut. 
  • Whitman wasn't too happy about having to get his hair cut-he really doesn't like going. Actually, Anderson doesn't like having his hair cut either, but they both ended up with good cuts. I have kept Anderson busy all day looking for dress shirts and dress shoes to buy plus a trip to the hair place, and we even had to pick up the girls afterwards. 
  • We hurried home, and Anderson left for work. The other kids here set up the pickleball net in the driveway and played for a while. I worked on a meal for a friend and then met someone and delivered the meal-this mean that we had the second pan (manicotti) for supper. 
  • We all ate, and then Robby and I started watching a Pope movie. Anderson text me about going to play pickleball after work, and minutes later Graham came to ask if he could go and play too. I told him yes, and he left the house in about 45 seconds. 

April 23, 2025

(click for today's pictures) 

  • Another school morning here. I have basically started seeing exactly how late I can stay in bed each morning plus do all of my morning chores each day. Today I had 29 minutes to get ready, empty the dishwasher, start a load of laundry, take the dog out, brush her, and wake everyone up. I managed to get it all done, but it was probably cutting things a little close.
  • I haven't been finishing too early lately, but this morning the girls and I even went through 4 bins of clothes that were in the attic. Unfortunately, most things they did not want anymore. I did find myself a few things that I decided that I just might can wear. 
  • Campbell and Graham went to work today, and they were very busy there. While they were working, I took two walks-one with Bentley and one without her. And then I started working on some of our summer school things.
  • Soon it was time to head to church-first, my car had to go to the library. We left much earlier than usual because not only did I have to pick up books, but I also had to go inside! I pick up books most weeks from the box outside, but when I walked through the library, it made me want to just stop and browse-maybe I will some day this summer.
  • After church tonight, everyone but Whitman went to ChickFilA. Graham had told me that he wasn't going to go, but I guess that he changed his mind. I came home and made myself some nachos before sitting on the couch for the rest of the evening.

April 22, 2025

(click for today's pictures) 

  • This morning I wasn't moving as quickly as yesterday, but we still started school almost on time. Keaton, Whitman, and I just have 2 library books that we are still reading-and we should finish them tomorrow-so that has given me encouragement to start on time and get our reading finished each morning lately.
  • For some reason, I finished working with Campbell and Keaton earlier than usual. That was fine since I had some graduation things to do-addressing some announcements and picking out pictures for Anderson's senior table. 
  • Then Keaton and I waited on Robby to come home with our lunch. We split it and ate all of it. Then I went on a short walk with Bentley-we haven't walked in a few days, so it was no surprise when she refused to keep walking with me and stopped cutting our walk short.
  • I worked with Whitman-we are reading a library book together which was due today. Usually I can recheck them out, but we have had this book for so long that I will have to take it into the library tomorrow. Hopefully, we will be able to finish it before too late in the summer. 
  • I took a shower and quickly dried my hair because I was running a bit late this evening. Around 4, Grannymom came over, and we headed to Arkadelphia with Graham and Keaton. We met up with Reagan at the Burger Barn-it was pretty good. Grannymom and I split a hamburger. 
  • Then we went to the auditorium to hear the Master' Singers. Robby has been wanting to go and hear them sing for a good while, and since it was at OBU which meant seeing Reagan we didn't pass this chance up. Graham and Keaton sat through about 15 minutes of the performance, and then they left to find Reagan again.
  • When we it was over, we walked through campus and found the kids-the weather was perfect. Then we headed back home. The drove home didn't take too long at all since there was a little bit less traffic. 

April 21, 2025

(click for today's pictures) 

  • I was pretty tired last night when I went to bed-even thought about skipping or just doing some school this morning. However, when I woke up, I felt like I had rested super well. I did my morning things, and then I went to wake up the children-they did not seem to be in as good of a mood as I was this morning though.
  • I was able to wake them all up, and we started on school at the normal time-well, most every did. The college bound child slept half the morning away even though I would go upstairs and just stare at him sleeping until he would wake up and promise that he was about to get up. Thankfully, his first classes in the fall will not start until 9; however, that is not nearly late enough!
  • Keaton and Campbell did their school pretty quickly while Whitman was finishing at 4 this afternoon. I'm not sure what all he did today, but school was not on his priority list. I will have to stay focused on keeping him on track tomorrow-though I get busy helping everyone else.
  • Reagan and Odelia left to head back to school around 3:30. I think that they enjoyed the short little break from school-just 3 more weeks.
  • I took Campbell to work today because Graham wasn't feeling too good at all, but he had to pick her up this afternoon because Anderson was already at work, and Robby and I were about to head to soccer practice. 
  • There wasn't a ton of kids at soccer tonight in Keaton and Whitman's team. They still had a lot of fun, and Anderson even helped-he was the goalie for a good part of the practice. After practice, Keaton and Whitman spent some of their Sonic gift card for a drink, and Robby picked up some Panda Express. 
  • Anderson came in just as the rest of us were finishing our suppers. Now most everyone has had their showers, and I have already read a little bit so I think I may try to make a second square for my blanket tonight.

April 20, 2025-Happy Easter!

(click for today's pictures) 

  • Once again on this Sunday morning, I was scrambling. I had plenty of time to get myself ready and do the last few chores before leaving for church. However, I forgot all about the kids' Easter baskets. 
  • Really, this year we have to use the term "baskets" very loosely. They didn't get baskets, but they did each get a case or two large packs for their favorite drinks-Reagan received vanilla coke, Anderson Red Bull, Graham had 12 sparkling strawberry waters, Keaton and Campbell both had packs of Alanis, Whitman had Cokes (though we later learned diet coke is his favorite-we can switch his out), Lena had Vitamin Water, and Odelia received light blue gatorades.
  • All of these drinks had been stored in the back of the white van. It would have taken Robby and I a good while to move them all to the kitchen. He thought of using the wagon and hauling the drinks to the kitchen door.
  • Most people were happy with their "baskets," but Graham's first response was "there's no breakfast?" The last few years, I would have some breakfast items in their baskets. Robby quickly went to work making pancakes so Graham, and everyone else, would have an Easter breakfast.
  • We then headed on to church after we took a few family pictures. Everyone rode in the white van, and parking was a little tight so we ended up in the back of the parking lot. Church was good, and even though we visited for a while, the parking lot was still at a stand still when we walked to the car. We saw this so we visited some more in the parking lot before heading home.
  • On the way home, Robby realized that there was no way that we could have lunch ready by 12 since it was 11:20ish, and we all had to go home and cook-plus Grannymom and Nonna had to then come to our house. He moved lunch to 12:45 which worked out perfectly. 
  • Grannymom, Nonna, Pops, Jason, Lily, Cash, and Ethan all came over with lots of food-it wasn't quite as much food as Thanksgiving, but we still had way more food than we could eat. Plus we had plenty of leftovers. 
  • After eating, it was time for the Easter egg hunt-my 6, Cash, Ethan, Odelia, and Lena-so it was quite a crowd. There were not a ton of eggs-but they were prizes. Some eggs had candy, but others had points so they could earn the first pick for a gift card. Plus the one who found the most purple eggs earned 15 dollars, and the one with the most yellow eggs got 10 dollars. It was fun to watch all the kids run around collecting eggs as quick as they could.
  • When the came in, everyone sat down and worked on counting their points. In the end, everyone won at least a 10 dollar gift card so I think that they were all pleased. It was a pretty good Easter day-the kids were all downstairs for a long time visiting. 
  • Eventually, they all went upstairs, and Robby and I dozed for a minute. Then we had to wake up and start watching the weather since storms were brewing. We did make everyone come downstairs for a bit, but by the time they came downstairs the storm was past us.
  • We then loaded up and left to go and eat at the Wilson's house. Shannon had a crew tonight so there was lots of food and desserts. We visited and the kids played games until way too late. We partied like it was not a school night-but school is tomorrow (though it is 11:30, and I'm still working on this blog.)
  • When we got home, the kids who pulled into before us told us that the garage didn't seem to be working-Robby went to work on it thinking that the problem was what he had broken and fixed earlier. It didn't take long until he realized even though that was broken again, the bigger issue was the spring-it was also broken. 
  • Anderson was showering so just Graham and Robby lifted the garage while I moved the cars. It was like car Tetris outside-I had to move the minivan before I could move the big van then I had to move each of them again to get them out of the way so people could come and go tomorrow.  
  • Now the house is quiet, but Reagan has just made about 5 bags of popcorn so I have to assume it is quiet because people are all chewing!

April 19, 2025

(click for today's pictures) 

  • This morning started early with Robby, Whitman, Keaton, and I leaving early in the morning with Anderson. We left the house around 7:10 for our drive to Raymar. Anderson started getting things ready for the day, and after a bit Robby and I started to work on getting the concession stand ready.
  • Whitman worked in the concession stand the most today, but he did get distracted by a kite today. That boy loves flying a kite at Raymar. He was able to get the kite in the sky a couple of times. Keaton, Graham, and Campbell reffed two games.
  • Even though Anderson didn't ref any games today, he earned his money at Raymar. He spent a good bit of the day trying to break of disagreements on the field. It was quite a day at Raymar. Even Robby's game was contentious. The other coaches and a parent had been mouthy the entire game. Then I look up and see one of Robby's players and a player from the other team shoving each other. Refs' whistles started to blow, and Robby comes tearing across the field yelling at his player to get on the bench. The other coaches come on the field and start yelling at Robby while Anderson has already gotten to the field trying to calm them down-they weren't too friendly to him either. 
  • Robby was quick to say that he and his team were done. He then went on to make his team tell the other team good game, and then he clearly explained to his team how they were going to act, why they were going to act the right way, and reminded them all that it was just a game. As soon as he was done with his mini sermon, the other parent wanted to fuss at Robby. He quickly shut her down, and by this time the league director was there who soon had the fussing parent and both shoving kids bowing their head and praying. (Later in the day, Whitman asked who the league director was. We pointed out the man, and Whitman told us that he thought he was a body guard or a bouncer.)
  • After coaching for about 15+ years, Robby is counting down the games this season, and he is hoping it is his last. Whitman could play one more year, so this may not be Robby's last time to coach. Either way, just as Robby told his team, it is just a game. 
  • Reagan, her friends, and Campbell did a little bit of shopping when they left Raymar. Keaton would have gone, but she had one more game to ref. 
  • When we left Raymar, Anderson and Graham went to someone's house to put down some mulch. Those boys worked for an hour and a half-and they made excellent money. They were pretty pleased when they came in. Anderson looked relatively clean while Graham was covered head to toe in dirt-Robby asked him if he had swam in the mulch. His clothes will probably have to be burned.
  • Most everyone had showers and maybe even short naps. Then it was time to decorate eggs-since eggs are a bit pricey, we decorated sugar cookie eggs. I was able to take pictures so that made my heart happy.
  • Robby came in with pizza which everyone ate, and then Reagan, her friends, and the big boys all left for pickleball. They are gone now, but I'm not too sure that I will be able to stay up until they come home because when supper was over, Robby and I worked for quite a while before we finally sat down.


April 18, 2025

(click for today's pictures) 

  • This has been a fun and busy day. Robby was awake and working in the kitchen before I even woke up. I thought that I would sleep in 30 minutes today and get up when he usually does, but he almost had made 2 peanut butter pies by the time that I stumbled out of the bedroom.
  • I did go right to work on the house. I cleaned the last two bathrooms that needed cleaning and vacuumed-those two are probably some of my least favorite chores. But when I really think hard about it, I don't really have any chores that I like to do-maybe the dishwasher because it does take less than 5 minutes.
  • Keaton and Campbell went to Nonna's house this morning to help her decorate the Easter bunny cake. Pops even picked up ChickFilA for them while they were there. Nonna and Pops brought them home and stayed and visited for a little bit. Pops helped me make my mashed potatoes which were actually had about 5 pounds of potatoes in them and 5 pounds of butter, sour cream, and cream cheese.
  • I also made banana bread this morning plus I baked Easter egg shaped sugar cookies . We made sugar cookies a few times a year, but today just seemed to take my a while to roll them all out. I eventually realized that I usually have lots of help making the cookies, but I didn't ask anyone today.
  • I worked on a carrot cake for Sunday-it needed two cups of grated carrots which is only about 4 carrots. Since I had a whole bag left over, I cut them all up to add to our supper.
  • Reagan and her friends, Odelia and Lena, came around 2:30. They had a quiet afternoon and watched a movie. Robby worked in the yard, and I did a little bit of crocheting and reading. (My current book is long, and I've been pretty busy so I am afraid that it will be due before I finish it.)
  • Soon it was near supper time. Graham got an invite to go and play basketball so he drove to Benton to play. But our supper folks started arriving-Grannymom and then Shannon and Brett. We all ate-salad, bread, carrots, green beans, mashed potatoes, pork tenderloin, peanut butter pie, and brownies. Then even more guests arrived-Tony and then finally Ben and Layne. 
  • It was a fun evening (I could have really enjoyed it more if we didn't have to leave the house at 7:10 in the morning!) There was lots of visiting, lots of eating, and lots of laughing this evening so it was a great start to our weekend. 

April 17, 2025

(click for today's pictures) 

  • Robby took Campbell and Keaton to work today. They had their class Easter egg hunts. I know that they enjoyed the day with having something different to do. 
  • Whitman and I started school first-he is feeling much better today. It is easy to tell when he feels good (healthy or even just in a good mood) because he is pretty chatty. And today he was pretty talkative. Plus when we were working in the yard, he really worked pretty hard today-spraying the fire and my benches that I painted orange and using the trimmers to trim some weeds.
  • Graham had a speech to give today that he needed an audience for so Anderson, Whitman, and I listened to his speech-actually, the boys both played on their phones while I crocheted. You can't see me or Anderson not paying attention, but you can see Whitman playing his game. 
  • We started on yard work around noon today. Since it was just the boys and since we have done really well on the yard, there wasn't a whole lot to do. I did leave to pick up the girls, and once again I picked up Sonic as a treat.
  • It was too long before everyone had to leave again-Anderson to work at Raymar, Campbell and Graham to work pictures at Raymar, and Keaton to help work pictures at Raymar (they asked her yesterday if she would help.) Robby and I left pretty soon after they did and hit up a few stores and just about filled up the suburban with groceries.
  • We all made it home about the same time-some folks had pizza for supper while others had egg in the hole. Robby and I have already had our ice cream, and now I'm going to crochet for a few minutes.

April 16, 2025

(click for today's pictures) 

  • It was a short school day here: Whitman woke up not feeling great...yes, I still made him do school, and yes, I still made him work in the yard for a few hours. I even made him get his hard things over with first-fix it and math. 
  • He must not have felt great because he took forever on those two things, but he did finish them and even knocked out a few more things. 
  • Campbell and Graham got a phone call saying that the internet was down at work, so they didn't have to go in until later this afternoon. That was a good thing because we really needed them this afternoon while we had yard day #3.
  • Grannymom was even recruited to help with today's yard day. Even though Whitman didn't feel great, he still carried a a few tarps to the burn pile. He worked, but he isn't yet a super hard worker like his brothers. Anderson was teasing him today calling him Eeyore which it what we called Anderson when he was young. I can't really remember how Anderson acted like Eeyore, but hopefully Whitman will grow out of it too.
  • Robby took Keaton to Sara's house so Lily could do her nails, and he picked up some Sonic drinks as well. After our break, we headed back outside for a little bit. Cash delivered some mulch which Anderson dumped, and then Grannymom spread.
  • Soon Anderson and I had to go in to shower. I left first with Campbell and then the big boys came next to church. Whitman did get to skip church tonight though we think that he is feeling better since he went out to check on Robby and the fire plus he made them a pizza. 

April 15, 2025

(click for today's pictures) 

  • We did the school thing this morning. The kids were up, and I even think that they worked harder since they knew that it was yard working day so they needed to get things done. I text everyone around 11:30 telling them to come outside in about 15 minutes.
  • Keaton was the first one because she wanted to claim her seat on the lawnmower. She picked up trailer fulls of sticks. Whitman helped her some, but he also carried tarps-the smaller ones. Anderson and Graham would carry tarp after tarp-the only problem was that Robby, Campbell, and I couldn't fill them up fast enough. 
  • We were finished earlier than we really expected today-I thought that the girls would have to go in first to get a shower, but they had plenty of time. It wasn't long after I came in that I took Campbell and Keaton to babysit.
  • I worked with Whitman when I came home, and then the big boys had to go to Raymar together-Robby and I both needed cars tonight. They had to be there at the same time, but Graham and Campbell were probably finished before Anderson.
  • On Anderson and Graham's way, they picked up Campbell from the babysitting gig. Keaton worked for another hour-I knew I had to pick her up, but I guess I was running a bit short on time because she text me while my hair was still wet from my shower. 
  • I was getting ready for class meeting and had planned to come home. Keaton convinced me to hurry and get ready so I could run her to Walmart and then drop her off at Raymar so she could get home Then I could go straight to class meeting. She had figured all of this out, and surprisingly it all worked out well-though we had to run through the Walmart. I even picked up a few extra things so we weren't in that much of a hurry. 
  • I then went to class meeting-when I left Robby was working in the yard, and he worked for a good while. Then he ran a few errands and made it home a bit after the kids had all arrived. He had supper so they were anxiously awaiting his arrival!

April 14, 2025

(click for today's pictures) 

  • For a Monday morning, I had a super long list. I think that I was able to mark off most of that list though-or at least the things that needed to happen. We started our morning with school. Usually, I work with Keaton near last during the morning, but today she needed help with math so I helped her first. This caused my whole schedule to be a bit different today which was actually fine with me-kind of spiced things up. 
  • Around noon, I headed out to work in the yard with Robby. I called Whitman to come and help. Then after seeing exactly how many leaves the one section that we were going to work on today actually had, I text Keaton and Anderson to come and help. Graham even ended up outside for about 10 minutes and helped. Usually, Campbell isn't too excited about going to work, but today while she and Graham drove off with the rest of us working in the yard, I know that she was happy to be avoiding yard work.
  • We worked for about two and a half hours, and we were really able to do more than we planned. We intend to work in the yard every day this week so we can really know it out. We shall see though how long our stamina holds. Plus since Robby bought the workers Sonic drinks, this might be quite an expensive project.
  • This afternoon I started on the clean the house project. Reagan is bringing a few friends home to Easter plus Easter lunch will be at our house. I did the bonus room today, but I can't really do much else in the house since these people are messy-some more than others.
  • I went to soccer practice today since Robby, Keaton, and Whitman had to practice and since Anderson (intern), Graham, and Campbell (pictures) were all out there working. I didn't want to be left home alone and since supper was already in the crock pot and it was a nice night, I quite enjoyed it-though some time cuddled up on the couch would have been good too.
  • Everyone got home right after I had finished working on supper so we all ate in the living room. Then people started on their showers while I am spending a good deal of time trying to decide exactly which ice cream I would like to eat tonight!

April 13, 2025

(click for today's pictures) 

  • I was taking my sweet time this morning when I realized that I had to assemble Anderson's breakfast for his Sunday school class-I mean everything was from a bag or box plus the fruit was already washed, so it didn't take me long at all, but I probably should have not completely forgotten about it. Though last night, we went to the store to buy things for this breakfast, and when we had completed our normal list, Robby said, "now we just need things for the breakfast." And I replied, "what breakfast?" I guess I have just had a hard time remembering this breakfast for some reason.
  • I was in worship care during church this morning, and Robby, Keaton, Graham, and Anderson all passed offering plates. Maybe I should have stayed in big church and passed the offering plate because we had 4 babies and only 3 people, and all of the babies needed attention so we were constantly swapping babies.
  • Anderson had a meeting after church so he left a little bit late, but we all met at Nonna's house for Sunday lunch. They had hamburgers and all of the fixings, so we ate and visited. We couldn't stay too long because Robby was headed to help Grannymom with her mailbox. 
  • Graham went and helped as well. They were gone a bit longer than they thought that they would be, but they hope that their work was successful. Though I can tell you, Graham successfully got even more burned today. I guess I should really focus on having a school lesson tomorrow about the importance of sun screen and how when you are over 10, you should be able to put it on and remember to put it on yourself. 
  • While they were gone, I worked on getting the Easter eggs ready for the Easter egg hunt. We didn't do much last year-just one egg a piece with a prize. This year there will be some candy in the eggs but also points for them to count to determine who gets the bigger prizes. You are never too old for candy and gift cards.
  • I then took Keaton and Whitman to their life group. Robby and Graham were sitting on the couch watching the Masters. Graham was going go to go Rock Creek, and Robby was going to mow, but when I came back, they were both in the exact same spots! The Masters was tied so they had to watch until the end.
  • The Wilson's came over for supper-Tony brought pizza, and Robby made grilled cheese. We ate and enjoyed a cinnamon cake for dessert. The Wilsons eventually had to leave while the rest of us started the saddest part of the week-Sunday night. 

April 12, 2025

(click for today's pictures) 

  • 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

(click for today's pictures) 

  • 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

(click for today's pictures) 

  • 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

(click for today's pictures) 

  • 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

(click for today's pictures) 

  •  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

(click for today's pictures) 

  • 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

(click for today's pictures) 

  • 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

(click for today's pictures) 

  • 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

(click for today's pictures) 

  • 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

(click for today's pictures) 

  • 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!

(click for today's pictures) 

  • 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

(click for today's pictures) 

  • 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.