- Marley slept until 5:55 last night which was wonderful since Robby and my alarms were set to ring at 6. He took her potty and then just put her back into bed with us for the next few minutes while we hit snooze.
- The first order of business for the morning was making pigs n a blanket for Keaton's Sunday school class. Campbell had to take orange and apple juice to her class, but thankfully the boys didn't have to take anything (Graham was supposed to have a Sunday school party after church, but the hosts were sick, and Whitman did have doughnuts in his class today.)
- Graham and Campbell left first-they had to be at church at 8 to practice for their little bits in the Christmas music today. The rest of us left next because Robby and I had to help serve breakfast for the choir. All we actually did was open the containers and throw away the trash.
- After church, Robby and I skipped Sunday school to go and let Marley out. She should only be able to wait almost 2 hours by her age, but she did fine from 8 to 10:45ish today in her kennel. She wasn't too happy about being in there though, but she was sleeping soundly when we did come home.
- After Sunday school the kids came home with McDonalds that they picked up on the way home. We all ate, and then Campbell and I went to work. She started working on more decorations while I worked on the mashed potatoes. I had two pans trying to boil the potatoes, but only one pan boiled quickly while the other never boiled-I had to switch pans.
- When my potatoes were finally finished, Keaton and I went to Grannymom's house to show her Marley and to drop off her Christmas presents for the kids. Marley was not happy in the car at all. It was kind of sad, and it took her a good while at Grannymom's house to calm down after the car ride.
- We didn't stay long because I had work to do. I did never get around to cleaning the bathrooms-but really, I'm sure none of the 20 sixteen year old girls that came over tonight noticed my bathrooms.
- Campbell had quite a few friends come over tonight to celebrate her birthday. She had worked hard on the decorations plus all of the plans. Robby took Keaton to a party and arrived back home with tons of chicken. The girls at chicken, french fries, and mashed potatoes-all Campbell's request.
- Then they decorated tote bags before making flower bouquets. I do think that her party was a success plus she had quite a few present to open as well. She does have some pretty sweet little friends.
- The Wilsons came over for a bit to eat, and Tony even got to ride with Robby to pick up Keaton from her party. She came home with a 15 dollars Target gift card-that is two that she has received today, so she can do some big shopping there soon.
- When everyone left, we all went to work cleaning the house-Keaton helped a little bit while Campbell did work most of the time. Robby and I worked for about an hour, but when we were finished the house was back to normal-ish.
- Graham wasn't home tonight because he is dog sitting for the next few days-he said that he has spent him time watching football, so I know that he is enjoying it.
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December 14, 2025-Happy 16th Birthday (Party) Campbell
December 13, 2025-Happy 19th Birthday Anderson!
- First we will begin with Anderson-today was his 19th birthday. We didn't get to talk to him, but he did text me for a little bit. It looks like he had a fairly slow day-he did play basketball this evening (I'm assuming this because he went to the gym) and went to Walmart tonight. I hope that he had a great day, but I did miss seeing him quite a bit.
- Marley update-she only woke up once last night so that was indeed wonderful. It was especially wonderful to me because Robby is the one who took her out that time. I was ready though-and we both are ready tonight. We have all of our winter clothes laying on the couch ready to be put on.
- I had set an alarm last night, but Robby woke me up with a start at 7:24 asking me if Graham got up. He had the ACT this morning, and thankfully he is responsible. He was already taking a shower then and left on time. He didn't need me to check up on him. (Last time he took it, I was camping so I bribed Campbell with a ChickFilA sandwich if she made sure that he woke up and left the house on time. I probably should have had her do that today since my alarm didn't work-or I didn't work it right.)
- At 10:30 this morning Keaton had a birthday party. She drove me there and did really well. I believe that Keaton's birthday party was pretty nice-it was certainly at a nice house. While she was there, I finished my Christmas shopping for Grannymom, Nonna, and Jason. Gifts will be delivered tomorrow (probably not since Campbell's birthday party is happening with 25 guests expected) or Monday.
- I went back to pick up Keaton early. I knew that I was early so I drove down the street some before parking. I didn't have time to go anywhere else so I was just going to sit and look at my phone for a few minutes, but she came on out of the house because they were already finished.
- We stopped at Nonna's house on the way home to pick up some chairs for the party tomorrow. I had already worked quite a bit this morning-getting tables out of the camper and closet, moving chairs from the school room and the attic into the kitchen, and moving a set of drawers out of the kitchen to have more room.
- When we made it home, Campbell had gotten to work on decorating for the party. She had most things set up and ready to go. We worked for a little bit, and I tried to organize some presents before we left again.
- This time Keaton, Campbell, and I went to Trader Joes to buy some flowers for the flower bar at Campbell's party. We bought quite a few bundles of flowers at the store. Afterwards, we picked up her cake at Sams and then hurried home.
- We had a few minutes before we left again. Campbell and a friend helped serve food for a church Sunday school party tonight. It was at a lady's house in Hurricane so we dropped her off and then ran some errands.
- We then went to the McGuire's house to ride with them for our night out. We went to a live nativity and drove through that. Then we ate at the Copper Mule-the food was really good. Our appetizer was pimento cheese which was incredibly smooth with spicy jelly on top. It was served with saltine crackers, but they were the saltine crackers that were spicy. Most places that we eat out at, we leave thinking that we don't have to go back for a while, but Robby and I both agree that we will return to this one.
- Campbell caught a ride back to the McGuire's house, and we stayed a visited for a bit. Then we hurried home-poor Keaton and even Whitman had been in charge of Marley for a long time. Graham was gone for a bit of the evening playing basketball. They were a bit tired of poor, sweet Marley-a puppy is a lot of work!
December 12, 2025
- Marley did well last night-she only woke up at 4 and 6 or something like that. We felt like she had at least one good long stretch where she slept. Hopefully, her sleeping is improving. She is doing so well pottying-though she did have an accident with me on the floor today. It was my fault because I should have taken her out after her nap but completely forgot.
- Her potty accidents don't stress me out too much. My carpet cleaner is good, and my carpets are old. Plus over the next few days when it is so super cold, maybe it is ok if she will just potty in the house (especially the kitchen floor), and I can clean it up (and stay warm).
- This morning Bentley and Marley played around the house for about 30 minutes. That was the most interaction that they have had so far. I walked when Marley finally fell asleep. Robby was the first one to leave today, and Keaton and I left next.
- We met and helped do some more shopping at Old Navy. We both shopped for 4 different kids today plus then we went to Walmart and bought their toys as well. Together there were about 20 kids that were shopped for today, so during the checkout I stood by all the bags and helped move them out of the way. I had quite a few people ask if all of the bags were mine!
- While we were gone, Campbell and Graham went to work. Robby came home to relieve Marley, and then we came home next. I was able to catch up on some spelling with Whitman this afternoon, but soon we were all leaving again.
- Campbell and Keaton babysat tonight. After I dropped them off, I ran home and changed clothes. Then Robby and I went to our Sunday school Christmas party. We had Tacos for Life for supper, and then did some dirty Santa-ing-Robby did leave with a cord organizer that he doesn't have much faith in, and I received a ceramic platter (which is now in a trash can at the church house).
- We finished around 10, and it worked out perfectly that the girls were finished soon afterwards. We picked them up and headed home to relieve Graham of his dogsitting duties-he has the ACT tonight so he needs to get to sleep!
December 11, 2025
- Marley update-she just woke up twice last night (2 and 4) so we really can't complain too much. There have been a few potty accidents-my favorite was when she was with Whitman. I was in another room, but I knew exactly what was happening when I heard him start hollering, "no, no!"
- Keaton and Campbell worked at Mother's Day Out today. While they were there, Whitman and Graham did their school. Well, Whitman did his school, but I'm not so sure about Graham's school. He was a bit distracted today with Marley.
- Graham and I went shopping for stocking things before picking up the girls. He really couldn't find much that he wanted, but I think that he did enjoy shopping with me-I know that he enjoyed the candy bar I bought for us to snack on while we waited on the girls.
- We picked them up and went to Nonna and Pops' house. After Graham and I fixed his tv, I think that the kids pretty much ate all of their cookies. When we came home, Whitman had a few things of school left to do, and I worked a little on Christmas.
- Robby ran some errands, and the rest of us ate. Now, I'm sitting on the couch cuddled up with sleeping Marley and debating about getting up and finishing getting school ready for next week.
December 10, 2025
- Last night Keaton said that today was one of her favorite days of the year, and it is one of my favorites as well.
- First, let's start with a Marley report-last night when I woke up at 5 with her, I was so proud. I kept wondering though if maybe, Robby had woken up before me and taken her out. Indeed, it had-so Marley woke up at 2 and 5 which isn't great. It took me an hour to settle her at 5.
- Even though I had really planned on walking, I sure didn't hear my alarm ringing for nearly an hour. I still was able to wake up everyone in plenty of time to start the day plus I folded most of the clothes.
- Graham and Whitman started on their school this morning while Keaton, Campbell, and I went to Old Navy. We met my friend there and helped her buy some clothes-we bought 2 outfits and a jacket for each kid. When we finished with at Old Navy we went to Walmart to buy the kids presents.
- After all of that, we went to their office and wrapped all of these presents. We wrapped everything that we bought plus we were able to wrap for other kids as well. They buy for around 120 kids and today we finished 20 of those kids.
- Since I was gone all day, Robby had Marley duty-you can't take your eyes off of her so it isn't an easy task. He was happy to see us come home for a few minutes at 3. We were home long enough for me to pick up a few things, and then it was time to leave.
- I left first with the girls to go to church-but we had to stop at the library and then at Nike which took forever. Keaton was panicked that we were going to arrive late, but we were still there in plenty of time.
- After church, Graham and Campbell had their practice for Sunday, and all of us stopped at ChickFilA on the way home. Now, we are on the couch trying to watch a show, but I still need to get hot chocolate and fix Campbell's school for next week.
December 9, 2025
- I was thinking that Marley did a little bit better last night, but apparently I slept through one of her potty breaks (or Robby dreamed going out twice). I went out at 1 and 4 with her. Robby went out at 2 (the one I slept through) and 6. I just checked the blog and by the end of the week, Marley should be sleeping through the night if she follows Bentley's schedule. We are making it, but we are a bit tired-and this is why old people do not have babies.
- We did school first this morning-I have been skipping my morning walks since I'm still a bit exhausted in the mornings. Maybe tomorrow I'll walk, but it sure doesn't encourage me with it being so chilly outside.
- Graham is finished with his freshman comp class, and today he finished his Spanish 1 class. He had to make slideshow telling about himself all in Spanish. His pictures are great, and I love everything that he said-but man, that Spanish pronunciation is tough.
- Campbell, Keaton, and I are going to be gone most of the day tomorrow so today is kind of their last day of school for the week. We are going to do school next week too since the big kids are still at OBU, but maybe we will not work as hard.
- This afternoon Keaton had her dentist appointment for her fillings. When she was finished, we ran to get a few gift cards (where we also got a free drink gift card). Then we dropped off some Amazon returns before picking up Keaton a Sonic drink on the way home.
- Once at home, we all went to work on making tonight's supper: corn chowder. I had wanted to make corn chowder for a very long time, but since Anderson really hates corn, I have waited until he is at school. I am just now getting around to it.
- Since we were trying to eat fairly soon, I had all the help-Campbell chopped carrots, Whitman chopped an onion and potatoes while Keaton and Graham helped manage the puppies. I loved the soup though most others suggested less corn and more potatoes (it is corn chowder and not potato soup)
- Campbell made snickerdoodles for Robby this afternoon. Keaton made a dessert for tomorrow night's church-twice. She made the first batch when the oven was preheating, and they burned. Now, Keaton is about to hem a shirt, and Whitman just finished working on his advent calendar. Tonight he made a bridge-it took us forever finish it. Graham is at the ACT class for the last time, and I really don't want to leave the couch for the rest of the night.
December 8, 2025
- I possibly thought about rehoming Marley last night. She woke up at 12:30, 2:30, 4:30, 5:30, and finally 8. Honestly, it wasn't too horrible, but I'm struggling keeping my eyes open right now. And for our in the house potty count: we are now at the 3.5 accidents in the house which is excellent.
- Campbell was downstairs else, and she claimed Marley for the first bit of school. She eventually handed off Marley to Keaton and Graham. I was afraid that Marley would disrupt school quite a bit more than she did. However, things went pretty smoothly this morning.
- I made grilled cheese for lunch for everyone, and then Campbell and Graham went to work. This meant that Marley duties were passed on the Keaton. I did get to hold her for a little bit, but not too long.
- Poor Bentley-she remains very stand offish of Marley, but even more than that, I think that she is afraid of Marley. She did let Marley lay very near her, but whenever Marley almost touched Bentley she moved away. If we try to force Marley to touch her, she will run away.
- They have played a few times together, but never for a very long period of time. Hopefully, Bentley will start to enjoy Marley more as she gets a little bit bigger. (I know that I'll enjoy her more when she starts sleeping through the night.)
- Keaton's turn with Marley was over when Graham and Campbell came home, Robby picked up some supper for everyone, but now we are settled in for the best part of the evening-just sitting on the couch. It has been a few nights since we have just relaxed and not hauled people around town all evening long.
December 7, 2025
- Marley update: We put her in the kennel around 12, and she woke up first at 2:30. I took her to potty, and she was asleep as soon as I walked back in our room.
- The second time she woke up was at 4:30. She cried in her kennel for a bit, so I got her. After rocking her for about 3 minutes she was sound asleep again. The next time she stirred was after my alarm went off at 7. We couldn't have been more pleased with how the night went. Hopefully, tonight will be even better (not holding out hope for that though.)
- She has only had 2 accidents in the house though-one last night and one this morning. Both of them were #2. I guess she did potty in the garage with Robby after church, but that maybe counts as a half accident. I'll keep you updated on the count-unless I lose count.
- We did church this morning-it was the first of the Christmas performances so I was late to big church because I helped corral the kids before they sang. Robby left church early to go get Marley. She is supposed to be only able to go an hour during the day without pottying, and she was past that.
- After Robby took her potty, he said something to her about the car. Bentley heard that and raced to the door. Robby said that he couldn't leave Bentley at home after that-it would just be mean. Bentley isn't too interested in Marley, but the silly dog (Bentley) hasn't really eaten all of her food over the past few days so maybe she is a bit disturbed about all of the changes.
- Plus Marley hasn't eaten a ton-or at least what the bag says that she should eat, so I'm constantly trying to feed these animals. I do think that Marley has eaten more today than yesterday so that is good.
- After church we all met up at Nonna's house for Sunday lunch. She had chili, and this was a perfect day for chili. We visited for a little bit, and then the kids and dogs all headed home. Robby and I ran some errands quickly before heading home. Campbell helped out tremendously by helping Whitman make brownies for his life group before we came home. (I turned them into Christmas trees when I made it home.)
- Robby left first this afternoon to take Campbell to a friend's house, and then she was going out to eat. He also dropped Keaton off at her lifegroup while Graham dropped Whitman off at his lifegroup on his way to church. However, Graham just dropped Whitman off when he got word that his dgroup was cancelled so he came on home and helped me with dog duty.
- Robby picked up Keaton while I picked up Whitman. Later in the evening, I went to pick up Campbell who went with some friends to Chilis and then to get ice cream. Now it's time for me to pick up this house before I go to sleep and do it all again tomorrow.
December 6, 2025-Welcome Home Marley Jane!
- So this was a big day at the Dennie house. Keaton and Campbell left first this morning with Robby to help with the Christmas banquet at church.
- While they were gone, I ran a few errands-Trader Joes and Target were first. Then I realized that my next stop didn't open until 10 so I had to kill some time. I did this by buying a cinnamon roll at Cinnamon Creme Bakery. It was well worth the price, plus I found a loaf of bread for 1.50 so I was pretty pleased. While I waited on my store to open I sat in the car and had some of my cinnamon roll.
- I made it home in time to help Graham give Bentley a bath-I didn't help with the bath part, but I was the clean up crew. Soon Robby was headed home with the girls. Reagan and Ethan also were headed home because it was finally puppy day.
- We picked up Marley at 1 and took some pictures before we climbed in the car. On the way home, we passed Marley around like a hot potato-just as we did with Bentley almost 5 years ago. Without Reagan and Anderson in the car with us, the kids were able to have a bit longer turns this time.
- Marley is a lot lighter color than Bentley was when she was little. Plus I do not remember Bentley being so small-she seems so Fragile. When we came home, the tried to get Marley to potty, but she was wide awake and just wanted to play.
- And play she did-she had the best time chasing everyone in the grass. She would run towards them or run under between their legs. It was quite a while before she did decide to go potty, but that was fine because it gave Reagan time to make it home.
- The next big part of the day was introducing her to Bentley. Bentley really could have cared less! She was happy that we were all around and happy that we were watching her, but she wasn't that interested in Marley. As the day has gone on, she has started to show more interest.
- Marley has pretty much played super hard for about 20 minutes and then fallen sound asleep for about 20 minutes over and over again today. We ate soup and some cookies as we watched the dogs this afternoon.
- Reagan, Ethan, Keaton, and Whitman went to see a movie later this afternoon. Campbell would have gone, but she had a Christmas party tonight to go to. We did take her along with Marley-her friends were super happy to see that little puppy.
- Right now, Robby and I are sitting on the couch while Marley is possibly sleeping in her kennel. Keaton said that she put her in the kennel, and she just laid down and went to sleep. Laying down and going to sleep is something that I think that I could do right now-I figure that is might just be a long night!
- Though I can't complain too much though because as of right now (just 7:45 pm) she has not had an accident in the house.....8:00 update-nevermind.
December 5, 2025
- I did lay in the bed a bit longer today because after reading the blog about when Bentley first came home, I realized that Robby and I will not really sleep well for at least a week. I took my walk, and today was the first day in a little bit that I had to take layers off while I was walking. Sometimes, I wish that I had a walking route where I don't have to rewalk the same stretch over and over. However, on days like today it is nice to be able to walk by the driveway and drop off my extra clothes.
- My main activity this morning was organizing my Christmas attic. I have been just throwing boxes and bags into the attic, and it had become a mess. So this morning I took all of the gifts out. Then I straightened the attic before organizing, sorting, labeling, and carefully piling things back in the attic. I told Robby that I should have taken a before an after picture.
- Campbell and Keaton ran some errands with me today. Campbell drove the entire shopping trip and did excellent. We went to Walmart, Dollar Tree, and TJ Max. The only place we spent any money was Walmart, and man did we spend it!
- When we came home, I did my part on the shower-sealing the grout. Robby caulked it well this morning so I sealed the grout twice this afternoon, and I have one more to do tonight. Then it will need to dry all weekend long before we try it out-I really miss my shower!
- Keaton and Campbell babysat tonight so Robby and I stayed out and made money while they were also making money. Graham and Whitman stayed home, but I think that those two enjoy being home alone-I know that they really enjoyed the ice cream that we brought home.
December 4, 2025
- Keaton and Campbell went to Mother's Day Out this morning. (I'm always afraid when I write this that I will be re-reading the blog in years to come and will be confused about why they were going to MDO when I thought that they were older. Maybe I should say, "Keaton and Campbell went to Mother's Day to work this morning,")
- Robby took them and then stayed out and ran some errands. While he was gone, I started school with Whitman. He had done quite a bit of school last night as we were waiting on Robby and Graham to come home.
- Even though he was super ahead today, he still took every break that he could and only finished around 3. This just works for him, but as you can tell since I mention it often, it does not work for me.
- I was able to get school ready for next week, plus I made my appetizer for tonight's class meeting. I had to keep moving today because the house was pretty chilly downstairs. If I stayed busy, I was able to stay warm-ish. I really only got warm when I lifted a few weights for a little bit.
- I did think that it was warmer on my walk today than it had been in a bit; however, it just remains to be much colder than I think that it should be. I skipped out on my second walk because it was still spitting rain or something.
- Robby picked up the girls, and then they went to eat just a bit. They came back, and after a few minutes, I left to go to class meeting. We had lots of delicious soups plus it was an ornament exchange. This year I came home with a cute little tree ornament that lights up. I was happy to be able to sit it by my little santa.
December 3, 2025
- This was another chilly day-I love cold and cloudy weather, but I've actually kind of had enough. It is just cold outside on my walk-I get bundled up, I get hot while walking, come in and take some clothes off, and then once I'm in the house I get cold and have to put warm clothes back on. It is a vicious laundry cycle.
- I had to wake Keaton up early this morning so she could finish her school. She and Campbell babysat this morning so she had to get her things done a bit earlier than usual. I was able to work with both of them and make sure that they finished everything before they left to babysit.
- For some reason, I was able to finish quite a few things this morning. Whitman was even way ahead on his morning school work. I don't think that it was because Campbell and Keaton were gone because I'm not that productive in the mornings.
- Robby and Graham left to go and watch the Hogs play basketball tonight. They had lunch on the way plus they had excellent seats. The game was fun especially since they left with a win. It will be a late evening for them driving home, but they enjoyed the game. I was at church most of the time that the game was on, or I would have watched closely to see if I could see them.
- This afternoon Anderson did write to say that the dean was able to fix his schedule. He has some early morning classes and some big breaks but that is much better than a semester at home. I think that he is excited about his next classes!
- We left early for church-we had to run to the library to pick up a crazy amount of books plus I had two stops at the mall to pick up items that we have ordered. Then we hurried to church for supper for all of the workers.
- After church Campbell had to stay to practice for next Sunday morning. Sara brought her home. Since we were home a bit earlier than usual, I spent some time straightening before sitting on the couch for the rest of the evening.
December 2, 2025
- This morning I bundled up and checked my phone to see the weather before leaving for my walk. The phone said that it was sunny outside. I knew that it wasn't sunny out, but I sure wasn't expecting it to be raining again.
- I walked to the end of the driveway trying to decide if it was really raining or just dripping from the trees. It was really raining and continued for at least another hour even though my phone kept telling me it was sunny.
- Because I didn't walk this morning, I had a few extra minutes before waking everyone up. I'm not sure exactly what I did (it was nothing productive) because I was soon running up the stairs to wake everyone.
- I didn't have to wake Campbell because she had done most of her school last night. Graham is winding down in his two college classes, but he still has a big Spanish project to finish.
- Keaton had my call Nonna to see if they were around to feed us lunch-she did want lunch at Nonna's house, but she also wanted to drive. We all did leave for lunch at 12:15 with Keaton driving the big ole suburban. She did just fine driving us there, and Campbell did just fine driving us home.
- When we came home, I did take my walk. Graham was running at the same time, and it was a wee bit chilly. I did last longer than Graham-that boy didn't have any gloves on at all. Since he was running though he probably did the same amount of miles that I did, but much quicker. I did have to go inside and get myself a heavier jacket on one of my loops.
- When I came in, I changed and left pretty soon. I ran to the Dollar Tree and then met some moms to help Traci with her gingerbread houses prep. We ate and then rolled out quite a few recipes of gingerbread. Traci had most of the dough she needs already made, and we just rolled out batch after batch. It was quite fun.
- Back at the house, Robby and Whitman went to see Wicked 2. Campbell finished the puzzle and then decided that she wanted to cut her hair about 8 inches so she did that with Keaton doing some hair finishing work. Graham went to his ACT class and is counting down the times until he doesn't have to go to it anymore!
- It was kind of a later night for all of us, but now that I've finishing the blog, I have to take my shower.
December 1, 2025I
- I went on my walk this morning in the chilly weather. When I came home, I took Bentley out to potty and to brush her, but it was already raining with a little bit of sleet. All morning long we watched the rain fall-our phones all said it was snowing, but it was just rain. I know that it wouldn't stick, but snow on the first day of December would have been pretty fun. Either way though, it was perfect December weather.
- Campbell had finished her school mostly last night, so after we worked together she quickly found the Christmas puzzle I had out for later. She wanted to work it in the living room, but I encouraged her to do it at the table. When Graham saw the puzzle, he abandoned his school, and we probably only have about 150 pieces left to do tomorrow. (Though my back is a bit sore from leaning over the table all day long.)
- Whitman didn't take any breaks all morning long, but he still had school to do this afternoon. I know that I have given him more than Keaton had last year, but a little bit of school is better than screen time.
- Graham and Campbell didn't have to go today or even this week. There will be Santa pictures to work on next week, but this week they have off. Campbell worked on the puzzle plus she worked on getting things ready for her birthday party. Graham ran this afternoon outside-he said it was a bit chilly-and probably a bit wet too.
- Robby brought home some supper tonight, and we worked on the puzzle some while we waited. After supper, Robby and I ran some pretzels over to the Wilsons, and now we are on the couch for the evening.