- I hit my snooze for as long as I could this morning. I could already hear Graham and Campbell working in the school room. Actually, I could hear Graham in the school room sneezing. Just like Robby does, Graham sneezed at least 20 times in a row.
- After everyone was awake, we all grabbed breakfast and then began our school work in my bedroom. We skipped eating in the kitchen and everyone ate in my room as I read history. I did make sure that no one left in the middle of history to go to the mailbox.
- I am not sure how this happened today, but at 11 I had finished working with everyone except for Whitman. He also had every single bit of his work left. I thought I was already learning to be patient with the other kids, but gracious I will be the most patient person in the world by the time we are finished with Whitman's kindergarten year.
- Just like yesterday, this afternoon was also a blur-packing, school work, reading, Jr. Ranger books, more packing, treadmill-This week my afternoons have been completely full. And honestly, I would rather my afternoons be full than slower. Well now, I guess a wonderful afternoon nap would be rather nice.
- The neighbors have been out about 4 times since May and of course tonight they come out just about the time that we have to call them in to leave. We headed to Nonna's house for supper tonight to celebrate Robby's birthday. I had told the kids that Robby would be 43 but I think I was wrong, and he will really by 44.
- Pops made burgers and Nonna had pie and brownies. Afterwards, Robby opened up his presents-gift cards and some cash. The kids all played hide and seek in the dark and had a blast.
- When we left there, Campbell, Keaton and I ran to Walmart to pick up a pair of shoes for them for the trip. Then we rushed home. I did some more packing while everyone else took their showers. Everyone did make their lunch for tomorrow, and Graham created a logo. We let them stay up late enough that Whitman was super exhausted when it was finally bedtime!
- I knew that I wouldn't be waking up early this morning, but I did wake up on time. I was glad at least for that. Campbell and Graham were already awake working on their school work. Graham has been flying through his work lately which is pretty nice...except when he is finished with everything by 10:30.
- I woke up the crew and as usual, Whitman was not in his bed. I couldn't find him at first but then noticed him at the foot of Anderson's bed. He was awake enough that he had already opened up Anderson's blinds a bit so he could see out. Pretty much every night, Keaton or Whitman don't sleep the entire night in their bed.
- We ate our leftover doughnuts for breakfast this morning. Then it was time for our school work. I had to zoom through our reading together today because I had so many books out for us to read. I am trying to take a basket full of books back to the library before we leave for our little road trip.
- The kids started on their school work and things went fairly well. Whitman continues to leave and not come back to his school work quite often. I spend a good deal of my morning hollering, "Whitman? Where are you? Come back in here."
- Though today during our work together, the girls and Whitman were coloring. He had already left once for the bathroom, but then asked if he could go again. I knew he wasn't heading to the bathroom since he had a paper hidden behind his back, but since the probability was low of him remembering anything we were reading about Hernando Cortez, I let him go. When he returned, he told us that there was mail. I shushed him and continued reading.
- When we were finished reading, he again told me that there was mail. I told him wonderful, and then Graham offered to go and get the mail. I had assumed that Whitman had placed the picture that he drew somewhere in the house. I was wrong. He had walked out to the mailbox and put his picture inside of it. Indeed, we did have mail! And I better have Robby double check that the chimes are working on all of the doors so I can hear when people leave this place.
- Everyone was finished with school by lunchtime...except for Campbell. She had a big time today and was in no hurry at all. Reagan even finished most of 2 days of school. I will tell you, I do believe that I have become a pro at finding the volume of a cone or pyramid. I am almost positive that I never knew how to do those things, but now I help solve those problems daily. That game show Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader, well, I could probably win that game show right now!
- After lunch, we finished a few chores and did our afternoon reading. Grannymom and Grandpa came over for a bit. Grannymom then took the girls to a store for a little bit. They were out most of the afternoon until Robby picked them up at supper time. They all came back with a new tops and each one of them couldn't wait to show everyone their new duds.
- While they were gone, I helped the boys pack their bags, helped Robby clean the van and did a little bit of loading it, walked on the treadmill, and read to Whitman. It was a fairly productive afternoon.
- When my girls returned home, we ate supper-pizza. Then the girls did their packing, well some of it since they still have some things in the laundry. Everyone did a Jr. Ranger book. I have apparently saved the difficult ones for the end.
- The evening passed fairly quickly and all too soon, we were putting everyone to bed....and pulling out the ice cream!
- So last night, I think that it was nearly 1 when I went upstairs to tell the girls that it was really bedtime. I then went downstairs to continue reading my book, which I had just started during the night. I had planned on going back up to lay down the law to anyone who was still awake at 1:30, but instead I read until I finished my book until 2.
- I then waked up the stairs to see if anyone was awake. I stayed on the steps for a long while waiting to hear anything and surprisingly I didn't. They must have been asleep, or they were very quiet.
- At 7, I stirred as Robby was leaving to pick up the other kids and doughnuts. I decided that I better wake up the kids before feeding my animals. Reagan was already in the restroom, but the rest of the girls began stirring quickly when I opened the blinds.
- I walked down the road to feed my animals one last time. I was grateful that they all looked alive and well after having to depend on me for a few days. This afternoon Campbell and Keaton delivered the neighbors mail. They gave Campbell a 20 dollar bill, and she came home thinking that she would get all of it. Unfortunately, I reminded her that other folks did help. She was not too pleased but will still end up with half of it once I split it up tomorrow.
- Robby was soon home with the others and with doughnuts. The girls ate as soon as they were ready. There was lots of hair curling and eye shadowing upstairs so I was surprised when everyone was ready to go on time. I probably did help that I was shouting how many minutes were left every 10 minutes.
- At church, most of the girls ended up sitting above us in the balcony. I wasn't too crazy about that since I would like to be able to keep my eyes on her. After big church, everyone headed off to Sunday school. Robby and I were the only teachers in our class today so the hour went by really quickly.
- Lunch was at Grannymom's house. She had oreo delight to celebrate Robby and Reagan's birthdays. Reagan opened up a letter board, calligraphy pens and some cash. Robby received another fan along with a gift card or two. It was a pretty good end to Reagan's birthday celebration and beginning of Robby's birthday celebration.
- After we ate lunch, the kids played for a bit before we headed home. After 2 short nights in a row, all I could focus on during church was my afternoon nap and it did not disappoint. We finally woke up in time to send Reagan off to her Life Group.
- While she was gone, I pulled out school for the next two days and for the week when we return from our little trip. We also fed everyone before Robby headed off to pick up Reagan. The kids waited anxiously for their return, because soon after they came home we set up another popcorn bar for everyone.
- The boys were the most bummed about missing our popcorn bar last night. It wasn't really too elaborate since we just had popcorn along with chocolate chips, marshmallows, some crunchy cereal, m and ms, skittles and possibly some other candy but I can't remember what else! Everyone filled their bowl with popcorn and then added lots of toppings. It was quite fun, and Robby and I even had a bowl full before our bowl full of ice cream once the kids went to bed!
- I slept as late as I could this morning, but the chickens were calling my name. Actually, they weren't but maybe cupcakes were calling my name. I made Reagan's second batch of cupcakes this morning and then did my chicken duty. So far my egg count is about 20 which I guess is good. It is a lot easier collecting eggs from Kroger though.
- It wasn't too much later when I jumped in Shannon's car and headed to Vintage Market Days (I think that was the name.) It was basically booth after booth of farmhouse decor. It did make me feel a bit inadequate but was still fun. Shannon and I both took quite a few pictures of things that we can make. I am not too sure of how much we will actually make though.
- Then it was back home for a bit. Reagan and I did start to ice her cupcakes but soon I realized that I didn't have any shortening. So later in the afternoon when Robby went to pick up Graham's watch, which he left at practice last night, he did run again to the grocery store.
- Reagan had spent the morning working on getting things ready for her party. I can really tell that she is growing up. She had sleeping bags lined upstairs for everyone. She had cleaned her bedroom and even prepared all of the games. I almost think that she could have the party without me even being here.
- I slept through most of the first half of the Hogs game. When I woke up, I could tell that I didn't miss very much at all. Robby and Graham were running their errand so I walked down to feed my little farm.
- When Robby returned, it was time to make the icing. Reagan did it 3 different colors, and it turned out so very good. She was pleased. Soon after, girls started arriving-Sara, Alyssa, Emma, Ava, Lily, Kennedy, Cate, Lochlan, Presley, and Logan. Yes, it was a very full house!
- While everyone was arriving, Robby started on supper-spaghetti, green beans and bread. Reagan had picked out the supper, and it sure couldn't have been any easier to make. There are quite a few leftovers, but we will certainly eat them up.
- Next up were presents-Reagan received lots of pens, notebooks, candy, a bucket full of pineapple stuff, one of her very own sweaters (from Graham), IOUs for cookie dough (from Keaton and Campbell) and a Thomas the Train pillow (from Whitman). I do believe that she was pleased.
- After presents, we all gathered to sing Happy Birthday to our 13 year old. She blew out her candles, and everyone had cupcakes. Soon afterwards, Robby loaded up the crew to head to Grannymom's house for the night. My two little girls would enjoy the party just way too much if they stayed her.
- Reagan then began her games. The first one was to guess the number of skittles. Then there was a much wilder balloon tied around your ankle game which involved moving all of the furniture. Then there was a candy winning dice game that everyone enjoyed. It was fairly quiet for a good little bit. Robby was still gone dropping off the kids and picking up more drinks so it was just me and the girls. I was able to clean the kitchen and get some of the popcorn bar ready.
- It was after 10 when we started the movie so the popcorn bar was served around 11. The girls are currently still watching the movie so hopefully, the evening will be quiet and sleep will come soon to all!
- Unfortunately, even though it was Friday this morning, I still set my alarm early enough to walk on the treadmill before school. I did hit snooze for absolutely as long as I could before getting up. After my walk, I brushed my teeth, put on my contacts and flossed, which is on my to do list.
- Then I woke up the kids asking if they wanted to go with me to feed the pets. Graham and Whitman were the only ones awake, but Campbell did jump at the chance to ride down the road.
- We fed and watered the rabbits, looked for chicken eggs and fed the dogs. The dogs are the easiest of all of the animals to deal with. This little assignment has reminded me that I don't want any type of pets any time soon. Not at all. I can't even keep the weeds out of my flower beds-why in the world would I want more responsibilities?
- Even with doing all of that, we were able to start breakfast on time. I guess that it did help that I woke the kids up earlier than usual to ask if they wanted to go with me. So when I came back everyone was awake and ready to eat. Since we do have a few extra eggs from the neighbors chickens, I asked the kids if they wanted eggs for breakfast. Most everyone turned up their noses, but Campbell did ask if I had any eggs from real chickens. Not sure if this homeschooling is working on her!
- School went fairly well. Friday's are lighter days for me since no one has spelling, if it is our 4th school day of the week. Reagan had finished most or all of her school yesterday as did Keaton. Graham was done by 10ish or maybe even before. That just left Anderson, Campbell and Whitman.
- They finally did get everything done. I can already tell that Whitman will be just like Anderson when it comes to school work. Campbell is working hard but third grade is just a big year for us. There is lots more for her to do than last year so of course it takes her longer.
- We then had our lunch followed by some heavy duty house cleaning. I was shouting out orders like a drill sergeant while vacuuming. When I have my kids just do their chores, things are done half way. However, when everyone is working with a goal in mind (cleaning the house for Reagan's party) they all seem to do much better.
- Soon the house was clean, and we settled in to read some more school work. We also did another Jr. Ranger book. I had Campbell set an alarm so we would finish in plenty of time to get ready to leave, but finished way early.
- Even though we did finish early, when I finished my stuff and sat down, I only had 3 minutes until it was time to load everyone up. I had already almost fallen asleep once this morning while Whitman was doing his phonics.
- Today was the kids EAST day. They did a lot of work on graphic design today. From what I could see walking by the door twice, they made a Mickey Mouse head. Anderson said that his worked perfectly while Reagan said that hers was square shaped. They are all enjoying the class, and I am hoping that this weeks homework will be less than last weeks.
- While they were at East, I read with Whitman some, we checked out many more books and we went to a program. They had the world record airplane man there. He showed many different airplanes, and we all learned about drag and lift and lots of other scientific-y things. Then he showed everyone how to make his winning airplane. Everyone enjoyed it very much and soon it was time for the others to finish with East.
- I dropped the boys off at East and then headed home. Lily and Eden are spending the night with us. Eden and Campbell helped me feed the pets tonight. Then we rushed home to make a cake before the Wilsons came over for supper. Everyone was very helpful making the cake and it was decent (the icing was not my favorite at all though.)
- Robby grilled hot dogs and hamburgers for supper. After we finished eating, Robby went to pick up Anderson and Graham. While they were gone, Reagan made her first batch of cupcakes. I had grand plans of those cupcakes being done by now, but I just don't know when that would have happened.
- I filled the cupcakes into the pan and over filled them. It was a mess-too messy to use. So tonight we made another batch and plan on making the second good batch tomorrow morning. That still leaves the icing of the cupcakes to be done tomorrow. She had already spent most her time this afternoon on getting ready for one of her party games. There is still much work to be done tomorrow, but I think that there will be plenty of time. At least I hope that there will be plenty of time.
- The girls played a few games, played with their American Girl dolls, made a scavenger hunt and watched the longest most ever. I was after midnight when I put them in bed. And just a few minutes ago (almost 1) I could hear talking and movement above me. Hopefully, they will go one to sleep because I am about to go to sleep too.
- Once the house was quiet, we straightened for a bit and then went to work on the blog before bedtime. Tomorrow may prove to be a busy day as well! I am already looking forward to Sunday's nap.
- I hit snooze a few too many times this morning. I know that I am running late when the school room seems full of people working and I am still in the bed! I wasn't incredibly late so we were able to catch up a bit.
- Everyone had their breakfast. The kids have gotten very territorial about their breakfast stools. Campbell and Keaton desperately want to sit by Whitman and everyone else will do anything to prevent this from happening. At one time we had assigned stools that would rotate every morning. I guess that I may have to go back to that!
- We then our reading together time. Afterwards, I have to work with each kid individually. Last year, I would struggle to find who wanted to work with me first. However, this year everyone wants to work with me first. I think they all want to get it over with, which is what I would want to do as well. Now, if you do work with me first, then you have to usually come back and fix your math with me so maybe first isn't always the best.
- Once school was over, we had our lunch and then did a few chores. I did list everything that would have to be done tomorrow in preparation for Friday's sleepover and Saturday's birthday sleepover so their chores were a bit less today.
- We did some more reading in the afternoon and worked on more Jr. Ranger books. I am not sure we will ever finish all of our Jr. Ranger books! Then Anderson and Grahamd worked on their typing for East. Now, I make them do typing every single week, but no one has ever taken it this seriously before.
- And let's talk about talking something seriously. Reagan is still working on hers. if that child doesn't complete a level with 100 percent then she does it again. That child! She also spent most of the afternoon working on tomorrow's school work.
- Around supper time, Campbell, Graham, Keaton and I went down to the neighbors to feed their dogs, chickens and rabbits. Keaton was so scared of the dogs that she couldn't even come in the gate (the gate that didn't even have any dogs in it!) Graham and Campbell helped with the rabbits while Anderson watrered the chickens. Then Graham and Campbell both left.
- Anderson wasn't going to leave me there by myself. He helped me with the chickens. He kept the door to the coup guarded from escaping chickens while I collected the eggs (a dozen). Then he helped me feed the dogs who were amazingly calm.
- We both needed showers after our farm adventure. Then it was time to load up for Refresh at church. Reagan is now too old to go so she gladly stayed home. The others had a good time at church tonight.
- Once at home, we had a few minutes of downtime before everyone headed to bed. When I came downstairs, I realized that we would be awake and doing it all again in less than 12 hours...that just made me especially tired!
- I didn't have to wake the birthday girl up this morning. Campbell ran down about 7:15 to fetch some hair spray for her sister. Reagan was busy curling her straight hair. This was the second week that the girls were up early on a Wednesday primping before Bible study.
- I was also awake early on this Wednesday. I walked on the treadmill before getting ready. Then I had time to hang our fall wreath and do some packing. When you do wake up early, you have plenty of time to accomplish things before leaving the house which is very nice.
- Reagan had not gotten her breakfast this morning so Robby made her eggs to put on her bagel. Of course we put a candle on that bagel and sang to her. I do believe that she might truly enjoy being the center of attention especially on her birthday. (I'm kidding-she loves being the center of attention.)
- As we headed to Bible study, I ate my weekly Wednesday bagel. Wednesday's are long days around here but my Wednesday bagels and library trips do make them a bit better. Campbell could not wait to get into Bibles study this morning because she had her snickerdoodle cookies to share with everyone. I do believe that they were a hit!
- After Bible study, the weather was a bit iffy so we headed to St. Andrews to play because they have a wonderful pavilion that we eat our lunch under. Robby showed up after lunch with cupcakes for Reagan and Sara's birthdays. They share a birthday along with 2 other ladies at church. When Reagan found this out, she commented that all of the people born on her birthday were very pretty. I also added that they are all extremely sweet and kind people.
- Anderson left the park with Robby to run a few errands and grab a bit of lunch. The rest of us left eventually to head home. Once at home, everyone helped me unload, did their chores and settled down for a quiet afternoon.
- Reagan spent a good amount of time working on her typing. Campbell, Keaton and I walked down to the neighbors house because we are going to feed their animals while they are out of town (dogs, chickens and rabbits), Whitman did his reading with me, and Campbell, Keaton and Whitman all worked on their Jr. Ranger books.
- All too soon it was time to think about leaving again. Robby took Reagan out to eat steak for her birthday. That girl loves her some steak! The rest of us headed on to the library and then to the church house.
- I wasn't in games tonight, instead I told the story. When Whitman saw me, he gave me the biggest hug ever. Oh, he can just melt your heart sometimes. He is definitely the most affectionate Dennie.
- Once we made it home, everyone had a snack. The boys had showers while Reagan and Keaton got a head start on their school work for tomorrow.
