- I didn't sleep too well last night, but it did help that even after playing on my phone a few times, I was able to take a few naps this morning. Of course by doing this, I pretty much wasted the entire morning, but it was worth it.
- I left a little bit before one with Keaton and Campbell to go and help at a wedding shower. I had door duty, and I really kind of enjoyed that task. Campbell and Keaton helped take people who came in the wrong doors to other parties happening around the church. They also worked the sign in book some along with door duty too.
- When it was over, we had to load up my dishes, but the girls didn't load up in my car. They went out with Sara to Target. They didn't buy anything...probably because Campbell's wallet was at home, and Keaton's was in my car.
- When I came home, I found my spot on the couch and have pretty much stayed here since. I have a good bit left on a book to read, but I don't think I will finish that tonight. Reagan has been going through her boxes, bags, and bins of clothes that she brought home from school. Keaton just walked through with a few things, and I even got a few things to try.
- Robby left to go and buy some Blue Bell-ice cream is important. While he was gone, Anderson and Graham got a pickleball call so they headed off to play.
- They did miss the ice cream, but so did Whitman. He couldn't find a flavor that he liked so he opted for a cookie that Keaton and her friends made last night-they were really delicious.
May 17, 2025
May 16, 2025
- Reagan went camping with some friends last night. They had pancakes for breakfast, but they had to go to Walmart to buy plates! She was home fairly early this morning, and the first thing that she did was hop in the shower.
- Everyone else slept in last night. I had a few things that I tried to get done this morning, but soon I was taking Campbell and Graham to work. Then Keaton and I took my plates to church for a shower tomorrow. We ended up washing plates and even helping with some flowers.
- We then had to leave-Sonic was calling Keaton's name, and the library was calling my name. We picked up Campbell and Graham from work a little bit early so we could get Campbell to her next thing.
- She changed clothes, and we dropped her off at a friend's house. Then Keaton and I picked up Sophia and two other friends. I took those girls to 2 Goodwills, Platos, and Hobby Lobby. We drove all over creation, but unfortunately, they didn't find too many things. Keaton did get some shorts and a pair of shoes, and I bought a shirt for Whitman to wear to camp.
- I picked up pizza for supper on the way home. We all ate, and then the girls went out to play volleyball. I sat down for a little bit and then had to leave to pick up Campbell. The girls made cookies while I settled in on the couch for the rest of the evening.
May 15, 2025
- Reagan was the first one to leave this morning-she went to work. I think that she was busy most of the day long-I know that she went to Walmart at least twice. On her last trip, she was buying food for my cooking track. I will be interested to see what she bought-she had to send me a picture of cooking spray (Pam) to make sure that it was the right thing.
- Keaton and Campbell left next for their last day at Mother's Day Out. Keaton is the main teacher in her class since all the other ones have left, and she wrote me around noon saying that all the other classes had a little gift for their students. We hadn't even thought about it, but I was able to print out a tag, cut some ribbon, and run to Walmart to buy some bubbles for her people before it was over.
- Before I left to pick up the girls, Graham came home to pick up Anderson to take him to basketball. They played with a pretty big group of guys, but they didn't play for too long today. Graham brought Anderson home as well-I know that he will be tired of driving after this week!
- When I came home, Whitman and I worked on school. It is 10 right now, and I just reminded him that he didn't do two pages for me-so he ran to do them while his popcorn is cooking. He is actually doing a good bit of school-and he is knocking it all out for next year (but don't tell him that.)
- Adi came over tonight so Campbell could do her nails. They had been doing nails in their bedroom, but now their nail studio has moved to the school room. I think that is fine-I guess I can help keep all their things a little bit clean especially if I have to walk past them 100 times a day.
- Robby and I went out with the Wilsons to celebrate Tony's birthday. We ate at Layne's chicken-the honey mustard sauce was really good, and the desserts that Shannon had were really good as well. We watched the baseball game-or at least I tried to watch the baseball game. My eyes were so incredibly heavy!...and they still are!
May 14, 2025
- Graham came by to pick me up this morning, and we headed to his nutrition center visit. They had sent me a text a bit ago, and when he saw what he would make he decided he wanted to try it.
- As always, at the Nutrition Center, they read pretty much the whole consent form to you which makes me a bit crazy-word for word page after page. Plus I've already read the form because you emailed it to me...and in the form it said today's visit would just be 3 hours. However, the lady today said our visit could take 5 hours-Graham and I started to worry a bit about getting him to work.
- It all worked out just fine though because we were out of there in exactly 3 hours. The study is basically seeing if isometric exercise or aerobic exercises are betting at lowering blood pressure-though Graham's blood pressure today was like incredibly low (or at least I thought it was incredibly low compared to mine-though my blood pressure was crazy low for me yesterday.)
- We raced home, and I jumped out of the car and the girls jumped in, and he headed to work. They wrote asking if Keaton wanted to work again today so she took them up on that. She proofed most of the afternoon long.
- While they were all gone, Anderson and Whitman did a little bit of school work. Whitman was still sleeping around noon today-I did make sure that he woke up and got out of bed. I'm keeping a close watch on him so he doesn't pull any more all nighters-that boy has never required much sleep.
- Reagan went to work-today she ran some errands buying things for Camp Geyer. I know that she enjoyed getting out of the office for a little bit. She was finished early this afternoon and hung out at Graham's house sitting house for a little bit before going back to church.
- We all met back up at church this evening for the Camp Geyer meeting. The meeting didn't last too long so afterwards the big boys went to play pickleball-we hurried home so Anderson could take the car. Right now everyone seems to be crazy busy with plans every day-all of our people are coming and going, but I think that it will all slow down once summer gets started (at least I hope that it will.)
May 13, 2025
- I woke up this morning and discovered that I'm truly a pretty bad mother. I was raising the blinds in the living room, when Whitman popped his head from a chair and chipperly said, "hey, Mom!" Turns out the boy had stayed up all night long. He was so proud of himself, and he was so wide awake! Before Robby and I had left the house he had already started on his school work for the day.
- Robby dropped me off at Grannymom's house this morning. He went on to his doctor's appointment-he has a frozen shoulder. He also had a steroid shot today and will start going to PT next week.
- When Robby's appointment was over, Grannymom dropped me off at the hospital for my colonoscopy. It wasn't too bad at all-of course, yesterday was the worst part. When it was all over, I was still a bit dizzy. When Robby had finished his last year, he wanted to go to Sams to eat pizza. I would not have been able to walk that far at all. Now, I was able to request a hamburger and gobbled that up when I got home.
- Robby eventually headed off to run some errands at about the same time that Anderson left to go and play basketball with Graham and some other guys. I napped this afternoon a bit, but so did Whitman. I think that he went to sleep pretty soon after we left this morning. I woke up him around 4, but it took me a while to actually finally wake him up.
- Robby sped home to pick up the girls to take them to babysit for a few hours. Then he hung out with the boys until it was time to drop off the car (white van-working on the air this time) and pick up the girls.
- Reagan worked today and was home for about 20 minutes before she left again with Kennedy. They went to eat and then to a friend's house. She said that there were a lot of meeting at church today that she had to go to, but I know that she is enjoying seeing all of her friends from home this summer.
- I had supper ready when Robby and everyone else came home (Graham is still house sitting). I thought that it was pretty decent, but my supper ratings were Ds from the girls and B- from the boys (Anderson and Whitman are just a like in that they will tell me whatever they think will make me happy so I can't really trust their ratings.)
May 12, 2025
- I was barely up as Reagan left for work this morning, She had a good first day working on Camp Geyer things all day and even came home with a goody basket. As soon as she did come in tonight, she said that she was about to leave to go and play pickleball and has even spent some time at Sonic.
- Bentley and I almost didn't get our walk in this morning. I thought that it was sprinkling so we turned back, but then by the time I made it back to the house it had stopped so we left again.
- It rained on Anderson a bit these last few days when he was camping, but thankfully the tent that he was in stayed dry. I went to pick him up this afternoon when they made it back to church. He had a great time-he didn't canoe because the canoes were crowded, and he stayed back with someone that didn't feel great. His favorite meal was the breakfast burritos that he even helped make.
- Campbell and Graham went to work this afternoon. Graham came and picked up Campbell and then dropped her off. He also picked up some clothe for himself. He tried to also pick up some food, but we didn't have any supper plans around here tonight.
- Keaton has played volleyball today and even taken a walk. She did her bit of summer school, but she might get a little bit bored this summer with so many people gone so often. Whitman won't get bored, but he sure wasn't a fan of me and him working on his school work today-it took less than an hour, but he was a bit surprised when I told him that we were going to do spelling every day.
May 11, 2025
- It wasn't as difficult as I thought this morning to wake everyone up. I know that they were all exhausted yesterday, but the girls woke up on their own so that just left Whitman to wake up.
- By the time that I got out of the shower, Whitman was already dressed and in the living room. Soon the three kids here and Robby and I were heading for church. Reagan had spent the night at Graham's house sitting house so they both met us at church.
- We did the church thing, and afterwards we headed to Nonna and Pops' house for Sunday lunch. Nonna did have to cook her own Mother's Day meal, but Pops did help since they had pork tenderloin-a kid favorite. I did bring a strawberry cake to add to the meal, but she had already bought a cake so there were two.
- The girls all left to go shopping after lunch, and Graham went back to the house he is staying at. Whitman, Robby, and I ran to Kroger to pick up a few things. Then it was home for a nap-Robby and I were both pretty sound asleep when my alarm and a few snoozes happened. I finally had to tell him that we had 10 minutes and needed to get up.
- We left the house and picked up Grannymom and Graham on our way to Dana's house. We celebrated Cash's graduation with all of his family along with pizza, salad, and cookies. While we were there, we were able to give Grannymom her Mother's Day present.
- When we left Grannymom's house, Graham left to play pickleball, and the rest of us headed home. Shannon came over to eat some dessert this evening and stayed to chat for a little bit. I made my list for tomorrow-tomorrow we will see if I will actually be as productive this summer as I would like to be.
May 10, 2025
- It was a long day around here-Anderson and Keaton left at 6:40 this morning to head to Raymar. He was the only intern on this last day of games so I'm sure that Keaton helped him quite a bit setting things up.
- Robby, Campbell, Whitman, and I were not far behind them. We arrived at 8 and went to work at the concession stand. This was the coldest soccer game that we have had, so I was busy the whole time making hot chocolate and coffee.
- I don't drink coffee, but I have googled how many tablespoons to put in the coffee pot for each cup, but I do forget a little bit between each Saturday. I'm pretty sure that my coffee is not weak, and it is probably the strongest coffee people have ever had.
- One lady today asked me to put a packet of hot chocolate in her coffee (she offered to pay for both), and she called it a mocha. I was so impressed that I briefly thought about having me some of her creation. Instead I had my third cup of hot chocolate-I was struggling to stay warm.
- Keaton and Campbell both reffed one game. Graham reffed two this afternoon, and I think that Anderson also reffed two. Keaton and Whitman's team came up short today, but the team they played had double the amount of players so they were all exhausted. Either way, I think that they had fun, but I also think that they were glad that this season was over!
- There were two championship games late this afternoon, so none of us left Raymar until almost 6. Robby and I had done everything we could to clean up so Anderson could leave as soon as he could. He had to run to the house that Graham is house sitting at to shower, and then Robby delivered him to his senior camp out with his Sunday school class. (He could have driven but we are putting the suburban in the shop early Monday morning.)
- Since Graham is house sitting near where Reagan was going tonight, she just decided that she was going to spend the night there too so she didn't have to drive home late. Keaton and Campbell didn't even get to go home today because they went straight to babysitting.
- I have made a strawberry cake, and Robby is almost home from taking Anderson. We will have to get out again to pick up Campbell and Keaton, and then I'll have to make sure that Graham and then Reagan both get home from their outings tonight.
May 9, 2025
- I hopped out of bed before my alarm to put a filling inside of my sour dough bread and then put it in the fridge. It has been quite the process because I made the dough Wednesday mid morning, and it took it until this afternoon around 4 to be ready.
- I've never had great luck with just plain sour dough bread, but this bread is cinnamon sugar so of course that makes just ok sourdough so much better. Whitman did tell me that he liked the plain bread better-and he is a big bread eater.
- Finally this afternoon, I was able to bake it. Of course by the time that was ready to come out of the oven, we were already heading to soccer. Reagan had test the temperature and get it out of the oven for me.
- Around 11, Robby and I left for Arkadelphia. We had a few stops on the way there, and even sat down at McDonalds before heading to campus. When we arrived, Reagan, Ethan, and 2 other friends met us.
- We went up to her room, and she had 3 things in the hallway and the fridge draining in the shower. Ethan carried the fridge downstairs, Robby and Reagan took the other things while I worked on the shower. It gave it my all-plus some bleach spray-I might have gagged a few times, and in less than 15 minutes we were done. Reagan's car was already filled to the brim, but if she would have had room, she wouldn't have needed us at all.
- We hurried towards home and stopped at Kroger. Then we went to Lowe's where Aaron and his truck met to help Robby get the dryer home. I left them and ran another errand before hurrying home.
- Anderson and Whitman had carried Reagan's things to the bonus room, and she went to town organizing it. It is now all in 3 piles-going back, she has to go through, and I have to go through. I have already gone through my pile. I've put some things away, but also made more piles: someone may need this and Anderson's pile.
- While we were in Arkadelphia, Keaton went with Graham and Campbell to work again. This time she cut pictures. We picked her up a few minutes early and headed to soccer. Anderson was already at Raymar, but Keaton and Whitman had a game tonight.
- Their team won this game so it was a fun game to watch. It was a little bit chilly, but that was fine. Keaton did stop the ball with her face, fell down, and then got back up like a champ. She never did get near the boy who kicked the ball at her again! It shook her up for a minute, but soon she was asking to go back in.
- Graham went to play basketball tonight so he wasn't around Raymar, but on his way to basketball he took Campbell to a birthday party. It was a pickleball birthday party which is kind of fun. Graham, not only dropped Campbell off, but he also picked her up. I was already on my way, but I turned around-since I was making him a grilled cheese, he didn't mind at all.
- Anderson helped Robby get the dryer in its spot, and it didn't take him long at all tonight to get them going-this one even has a 15 minute wash! That is very exciting to me-it's the little things.
May 8, 2025
- I guess this was officially the first day of summer around here. I did work with Whitman for a little bit this afternoon, but we will do that every day this summer too. Whitman frowns at me and scrowls, but it's all an act, and he really doesn't mind.
- Everyone slept in for a bit, but Robby eventually did have to wake up Graham. It was washer moving time. Robby went with Tony this morning to fetch the new washer-the dryer and microwave weren't ready yet.
- They returned, and Robby prepared everything. Then once Graham was awake, we carefully moved the washer over the 4 foot wall. Once again, it was easier than we had expected. Without the dryer, and without the dryer adapter that Amazon brought late this evening, we haven't been able to do any laundry today.
- The girls went to Mother's Day Out today-I took them and ran some errands on the way home. Then when it was time to pick them up, I picked up Charlotte on the way home so Keaton could do her nails. Graham left around 2 so he could play basketball and stayed out until he had to ref at Raymar.
- Anderson left to go to work, and a bit later Charlotte and Keaton headed there. While they were all gone, all the deliveries came.
- When the dryer plug came, Robby was able to plug up the dryer so we started the laundry. Also, two new mattresses arrived-one for Graham and one for Whitman (who's mattress would not even be fit for a pet.) Moving and cleaning things took a while this evening, plus the boys bedding is still in the wash so hopefully it is dry before bedtime.
May 7, 2025
- After everyone woke up this morning, Anderson came downstairs and told me that his and Graham's final that they thought was tomorrow was actually today. They had already studied some, but they certainly would have studied more if they would had thought it was today.
- They were able to cram most of the morning, and eventually took their tests. Neither did too great, but Anderson still ended with an A in the class, and Graham a B so we can't complain at all! Last fall Anderson took 2 concurrent classes, and we thought that he had Bs in both classes. We had his official transcript sent to OBU and were surprised to see that the Bs were actually As.
- Even though the boys were studying today, we did keep interrupting them. I think that I have mentioned it, but the downstairs washing machine has gone out causing the laundry to be done randomly and at odd times since I have to do it upstairs and forget about it often.
- The new washer and dryer come tomorrow hopefully. Today's project was to first move the dryer off the stack and then to the ground. We didn't design the laundry room at all because the washer and dryer have to be stacked plus in the small space there is a wall separating the little shower and the washer and dryer that is about 4 foot tall.
- After the dryer was moved into the mud room, it was later moved upstairs to replace the old dryer. That meant that the old dryer had to come downstairs and into the garage for now. This afternoon, Robby decided that it was time to do the hard part-move the washer over the wall! I was in the back (doing little), Anderson and Graham were on the sides and Robby in the front. Those boys just lifted that washer up like it was nothing. Once we rested it on the wall, it took a bit to figure out who was going to stand where and how we were going to get it down.
- We left no toes and broke no bones on the moving of all of the appliances so that was good. Anderson did cut his fingers a little bit, but other than that it was fairly easy. Moving the new washer into its spot might be a bit harder.
- This afternoon was a first for Keaton-she went to work. They were behind on pictures were Graham and Campbell work and needed some extra hands. She is even going back on Friday-I know that she loves the extra money.
- They came home, and I hurried off to church with Keaton, Campbell, and Graham. I had a return to do, but then we made it in plenty of time. Campbell and Keaton hurried off to find their friends, while Graham and I chatted in the car.
- After church, everyone but Graham and Whitman went to ChickFila. Graham came home and made himself a bagel, Whitman made a pizza, and I had some yogurt. Now, I'm cuddled on the couch and really want some hot chocolate-but that would involve getting off the couch.
May 6, 2025
- There is nothing worse to waking up, walking in the kitchen, and realizing that I did not run the dishwasher last night. Well, I put the detergent in, so I would bet that I started it. There is also a high probability that someone came along after me and opened it up which stopped it from running.
- Either way, when I did start the dishwasher, I didn't notice that it was on heavy wash. My dishwasher's heavy wash can clean all of your thanksgiving dishes before you have rinsed them off and in doing so, it takes a long time.
- Needless to say, it was well into the morning when I finally was able to unload the dishwasher and shove the dishes that had piled up in the sink into the dishwasher. It was even later than that when I remembered to put the clothes in the dryer. I guess I need to start setting alarms and double checking that I am doing all of the things needed so I can actually get my chores done.
- We did school today, and it was new math for Keaton. Her math has been hard lately, but it isn't long so I don't mind helping. Whitman just zoomed through his work today since he has now finished so much-and when I say "zoomed" I really mean zoomed for him which is more like a slow walk for most.
- I left the house around noon with the girls. We had a few stops-Goodwill to drop off clothes, Walmart for a return and a few other things, Target for a return and a birthday gift, Academy for my Mother's Day gift, HTeaO for a drink for Campbell, and then we wanted to go to 7 Brew for another birthday gift, but it wasn't were I thought it was so we will do that another day.
- While we were gone, Graham left to play basketball. He left about 12:30 and ended up staying and playing basketball for 5 hours. He said that people kept coming and leaving so he just stayed and played.
- Anderson and Campbell were going to have Raymar tonight, but the rain cancelled that. I ended up making some bread this afternoon before I worked with Whitman. We just baked it, and I think that it might be my best.
- After we made pizzas for supper, Robby, Anderson, Whitman, and I played one of his games that he got for his birthday. It is an escape room game-mostly Robby and I just set and watch the boys figure the clues out. It is a long game-so long that we eventually had to stop for the evening.
May 5, 2025
- Today was the first day of the last week of school around here. Everyone was awake and doing their work fairly early. Whitman is finished with one thing that takes him forever, so that only left one other thing that takes forever-math. It was a new lesson, so we did it together; therefore, he was done at a decent time today.
- Campbell and Graham went to work this afternoon, and a bit later Anderson went to work along with Keaton who was reffing a game. That just left Whitman and me here so we eventually played a game.
- Even though this was a Monday, I was able to get through most things on my list which was super long. The thing that took me the longest to do today was the laundry-when Anderson saw the laundry pile, he asked me how long it had been since I had done laundry. I think that it had been a whole 24 hours-just like usual, but apparently everyone wore quite a few clothes during that time.
- Robby had been out running errands, and the kids also started trickling home. Robby had brought some food home so we made our supper with his food.
- Now people are just vegging out-Anderson is upstairs eating his supper, Graham just finished running and showering, Campbell is trying to kill a fly with the salt fun, Keaton is possibly already asleep, and Whitman is probably going to come and ask for ice cream in about 22 minutes.
May 4, 2025-Graduation for Anderson (part 2)
- This morning started with Anderson leaving early for church. The rest of us left a little bit after he did. I guess we were a bit later than usual, but thankfully Grannymom had gotten our seats for us.
- It was Senior Sunday so Anderson and 29 other graduates walked across the stage. Anderson even read scripture during the service. I was able to get a picture of the senior group in their robes, but I wasn't able to get a picture of just Anderson in his graduation robe-so we may have to recreate at this week...he will just love that.
- After church, we all headed to Raymar for some soccer. Robby picked up pizza on the way there which we all ate. Anderson did his intern thing a little bit while the rest of us worked the concession stand some.
- Anderson and Graham's buddies came so they all played some soccer this afternoon too. Even though we had suggested for people to bring clothes to Raymar-they all didn't. Since Graham's people came to play, he didn't go home which meant that the others couldn't go home. Campbell and Keaton both had shorts on under their dresses and found themselves a shirt. Graham wore Robby's shoes, Keaton wore mine, and Campbell went without-so I guess that everyone creatively made do. I actually brought clothes for Whitman, but he didn't mind leaving his church clothes on. Robby and I didn't change, even though we had clothes, because it was too much trouble to change clothes, and a bit chilly too.
- We came home when soccer was over. I was home for a bit before I left to take something to a friend and then left again to run to church. I caught back up with everyone at the Wilson's house for supper. They had already eaten, but there was plenty left for me.
- We stayed and visited until it was time to come home and start mourning the loss of the weekend. I follow a lady who always wears black on Mondays to mourn the loss of the weekend. I don't think I have enough black clothes, but I should really start doing that.
May 3, 2025-Graduation for Anderson (part 1)
- Robby and I woke up early this morning. When I was getting ready, I text Keaton and Anderson, and they were both already awake and on their way to Raymar. I left the campground first and went straight to Raymar. Robby backed the camper out a little bit after I left and went home. He unpacked for a minute, and then left again with Graham and Whitman.
- We did the concession stand thing this morning-Graham reffed three games, and I think that Anderson reffed just about that many as well. Keaton and Campbell both had to ref only two games.
- Keaton and Whitman had a game this afternoon-they lost by 3; however, this was the fussy team from last time and the best team so it wasn't nearly as bad as it could have been. Keaton gets oh so close to scoring every time, and she consistently gets the ball to the other net, and Whitman even played as striker some today.
- Graham left first, and the rest of us were all home by about 3:30 or 4. Then we started on showers-we had a quick turn around because tonight was the senior dinner. It was all very nice-and Sander's Hall was full of families and seniors.
- Our tables, beautifully decorated tables-I might add, were in the back of the room so that was nice. We took some pictures before, and then Anderson managed to take quite a few pictures afterwards-he still probably didn't take as many pictures as his sisters did though.
- We were the very last people to stand in the food line, so that made supper all the better. We had bbq and all of the sides for supper, and during the program all of the kids received a Bible.
- After it was over, we helped set the room up for Sunday and stood around and chatted. The boys talked so long that they got an invitation to go and play basketball. They had to run home and change, and Campbell even ended up going with them tonight.
- Reagan came for supper-before we walked into the building, we unloaded her car and put it all in our cars. Her car was completely full of things. She told me that she was going to bring a lot back tonight, and she sure did. Hopefully, that will help out on Friday when we move her out.
- She made it back to school before the rest of us had the cars unloaded. We have folded 2 loads of laundry since we have been home so maybe we are kind of caught up on laundry for tomorrow.
May 2, 2025-Back in the Camper
Sleeping in the camper is so nice-even during a rain storm. The thunder and rain woke us up briefly this morning, but then the rain later in the morning was nice as well. Though when it does start hailing on the camper, Robby does always have a panicked look. Pretty much all of our camping trips have at least some rain-we are at least consistent.
While it was raining this morning, I had a nap, crocheted, listened to my book, and even read-it was incredibly nice. We ventured out for a walk and some pokemon hunting when the rain stopped. The Wilsons joined us, and Whitman led us around the park. When he had finished his pokemon trail that he was on, he headed back to the camper.
We then sat out and visited until the next batch of rain came-I decided that a nap would be wonderful then so that is what I did. After my nap, Robby and I went to work on making refried beans and cooking chicken to take to tonight's group supper of quesadillas.
This evening we ate and watched the Hogs baseball game. The game seemed to last forever-it is 11 and just finished. This wouldn't be a bad thing, but my morning is early tomorrow. We hurried in the camper, washed dishes, cleaned up some, and now I'm typing before my shower...plus I'm tracking the boys to make sure that they get home from pickleball.
Graham and Campbell went to work today, and they even picked every one up ChickFila on their way home. Keaton did write to tell us that the microwave wasn't heating today so maybe it was just a fluke-we shall see tomorrow. And then this evening Anderson and Graham went to play pickleball with their buddies-we didn't have to make Reagan pay for gas, but these boys might just have to!
May 1, 2025-Back in the Camper
Robby left early this morning to get the oil changed on the van so I had to take the girls to Mother's Day Out to work. I should have gotten up earlier than I did (the story of my life), but I still had time to work with Whitman before leaving with them.
Actually, I had already backed the big van out of the garage today while waiting on those two girls. I'm not sure what they were doing, but I was ready to go because I had things to do when I came back home. The first thing I started on was getting everyone's school ready for next week-the last week of school. But I will try to sneak some summer school in as well, so I will need to prep all of that the next week.
Then between getting school out, keeping Whitman on track, and the regular chores, I decided to make cinnamon rolls. Robby likes them; the kids like them. Plus we brought some with us camping.
We did find out today that Anderson has found a work study job at Ouachita. It was looking doubtful for a while, and I was starting to stress (I actually think my ulcer or whatever I had going on a few months ago has come back). It is in the business department so I think it is exactly where he is supposed to be. Plus, I now know that if you need a work study job, start looking in January.
I left around 1:30 with Graham to go to church and pick up the girls. I had a stop at the library and one at Nike for a return on the way. Other than getting the girls, we had to decorate Anderson's senior table. It looks fine, but I know that there will be some fancy tables for sure. We have 2 tables, and they are huge tables so it was a bit challenging. I just have to keep reminding myself that it is not a contest.
While I was at church, Robby left with Whitman and Bentley to head to Maumelle Park. We are here for the weekend-well, really just until Saturday morning. Tonight has been perfect, but it looks like tomorrow may be wet, and we were expecting it to be a perfect Friday too.
I headed towards Maumelle as soon as I came home. Robby had set some things up, but when I arrived he did some weed eating because the grass here is pretty high. Then we just sat outside-I read and then crocheted. Then people started showing up, and we were able to visit the evening away.
We had bagel pizzas for supper tonight-I know that Whitman loved them. When it was nearly 10, we went on a loop with the dogs. Right now Bentley is up in our bed-I tried to get her to lay on the couch, but I guess the girls have trained her to sleep in a bed. Robby had to shove her off his pillow!
Anderson went to work early to help show people how to use the painter for next year. He hasn't had to paint this year season though. Graham left about the time that Anderson was coming home to go and play pickleball. And Reagan has spent most of the evening without power at school-they had their Thursday night church service on the front lawn of Cone Bottoms.
April 30, 2025
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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!
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- We again treated this Friday like a Saturday and slept in. It was nice, but when I did get out of bed, I quickly started on my list. Don't be too impressed because the items marked "clean something" and "work in the yard" were easily avoided by me today and the items marked "crochet" and "make banana bread" were the first things that I did.
- I did take Keaton to Target today to buy a present for her friend's birthday party that she went to tonight. We walked all around that store and quickly found the present, but Keaton also found herself a drink plus a shirt.
- When we came home, it was time for Graham and Campbell to go to work. Soon after Whitman asked around for someone to play a game with-he spends most of his time alone so I can't really say no so I played the game while I crocheted.
- Then around 2, I had plans to work in the yard, and I did walk outside, but then I just turned around and went back in the house and took a nap. Two things happened-I was overwhelmed and I thought there were 2 weeks until Easter.
- I found out that Easter is next Sunday just tonight-I thought that I had one more week to at least make some plans. I'm trying not to get overwhelmed because I had a long mental list divided over two nice long weeks-yard, eggs, Easter baskets, food, clean the house, cookies-but now all of that is squeezed into one week. None of this should stress me out-the egg prizes are just going to be gift cards (I had some candy to put in them, but I guess I didn't hide it well enough), the Easter baskets are always pretty lame, the house doesn't take long if people help, and I don't do much of the food.
- This evening I took Campbell to ride with Eden to go to church. She did childcare tonight-she has spent quite a bit of time at the church house this week. Then we picked up a friend, ran back by the house because Keaton forgot her present (it was on the way), and took them to a birthday party.
- The big boys had already left to go to Rock Creek tomorrow, and Robby and I left soon after to go to the Wilson's house for supper. We visited and watched the ballgame until it was finally time for us to come home and go to bed-tomorrow will be an early day and a busy day.
April 10, 2025
- Keaton and Campbell went to work this morning-they were disappointed that Robby didn't have to stop at a gas station on the way to work since they usually get a drink of some sort of the way there. He did pick them up this afternoon so they did get a drink on the way home.
- Since Keaton is gone on Thursday mornings, Whitman and I read quite a bit less so he started on his school earlier. He did finish earlier than usual even though it was still after lunch. Since the girls were gone, I was able to finish my part with him early.
- The big boys both had a history test today. They did that-one did really well and one did ok which was kind of odd since the last test it was just the opposite on who did really well and who did ok. Either way, their grades are fine in that class so that is good. But next week they will already start having to study for the next test and final.
- I left with Graham for him to take his accuplacer test once again-he was 1 point away. I feel so sorry for him that he just can't pass it. He did much better this time that last time. That time I think that we had studied too much, and he had started over thinking things. Graham doesn't mind taking it-he does mind that the lady he has to talk to at check in is starting to recognize him.
- I did get him a sonic drink and snack on the way home-that, of course, made things better. Hopefully, he will just have to take it one more time, but if not, he has time to keep trying.
- We came home, and I sat on the couch with the big boys as they watched some of the Masters. Soon they went back upstairs so I crocheted some. Then it was time to leave to take Campbell and Keaton to church to work.
- Robby and I went to eat with people. We stayed and visited so long that the girls rode home with Grannymom. They enjoyed hanging out at her house for a bit. We came and picked them up and were out entirely too late.
- When we came in, Keaton went right to work-she has a party tomorrow night and is sewing a shirt as part of a gift, and she has a party Saturday night where she is painting a sign. She is nearly done with both, but she had to work some tonight, and will have to work more tomorrow.
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