- This Sunday morning Keaton and Campbell were a little stressed because they didn't think that we had left on time. In Campbell's defense she did have worship care so she was supposed to be there a bit early. Since it was a holiday, the church house wasn't packed so it was still easy to find a seat.
- After church, we went to Nonna and Pops' house for lunch. They had lasagna and all of the fixings. We visited for a while since there was lots to visit about today. Then we headed home for the afternoon.
- You can probably imagine what we did this afternoon-napped! It was wonderful-until it was time to wake up. That is always hard after a long nap for me. Campbell was the first to leave for Rock Creek tonight. She drove me there, and she is really a good driver even though she takes the speed limit signs as a challenge.
- Graham left next to play volleyball with his buddies. He ended the evening at Sonic while we ended the evening at the Wilson's house. Robby came late because he picked up Campbell from church, and then he ran the kids home after they ate, but we were still there long enough to visit and enjoy the last little part of the weekend.
- We do get a bonus day off tomorrow, so that will be fun and possibly we will even be productive.
August 31, 2025
August 30, 2025
- This is the last Saturday for a few weeks that we are going to be able to sleep in so we enjoyed it. when Robby got up, he started making breakfast burritos. We were going to send a few frozen ones with Anderson, but he decided not to take any so we are just now getting around to making them.
- I cracked 3 dozen eggs while Robby fried up the 3 pounds of sausage and the eggs. After I added the beans, I had to wait awhile to add the cheese and to roll them up. I had decided to make a meal today for lunch, but since the girls were gone for supper, I made it as a late lunch.
- Of course, I needed sour cream so Robby ran to get that. My new meal turned out to be poppy seed chicken without the poppy seeds and with cheese, so it was a hit since everyone enjoys poppy seed chicken here.
- We watched the football game-well, it has been on, but thankfully the score was good for the Hogs so we quickly lost interest. Robby took Campbell and Keaton to babysit and ran a few errands while he was out.
- While Robby was gone, I finished a few crochet squares and played a game with Whitman. He beat me in the game that we played-he was pleased since I usually win at that game. I tracked the big kids at school for a bit, and even took Bentley for a short walk.
- Robby stayed out until it was time to bring the girls home. He made a bit of money, and they did too. They were working until after 10:30 so it was quite a while for them.
August 29, 2025
- After taking my walk this morning, I started making a peach cobbler. Earlier in the week, Reagan asked if I had ever made one, and I told her that I had. Actually, I don't really think that I have, but today was my first.
- Pops had to talk me through it, but I think that it was pretty good. Reagan had a friend that was talking about how good it was, so Reagan delivered some to her dorm room this afternoon.
- We didn't go to Arkadelphia just for a cobbler delivery. Reagan had a rug at the house which we delivered. We thought that we would just drop it off, but Reagan asked for help, and she definitely needed it. It took all of us to move their furniture and get that rug down.
- Robby and I did have a few stops before and even stopped at Ludwigs, a little bakery in town, before finding Reagan in her dorm. We never saw Anderson since he was in class still when we left.
- We zoomed on back to town and didn't really do too much for the rest of the afternoon. I did get a new shipment of books that I went through. Then Keaton made a sweatshirt to take to a friend tonight.
- Then Robby and I left with the girls-first we dropped off Keaton at a friend's house for a watch party, and then we dropped off Campbell at the church for a watch party. We ran one errand on the way home, and by the time that we got home it was a 50 mile trip.
- It was just Robby, me, Whitman, and Graham home tonight. But it didn't really seem like we were home very long because just as I was pretty settled on the couch after my supper, it was time to go and get Campbell.
- I made it home about 10, and Keaton has asked to be picked up at 11-I'm pretty sure that she will be picked up a bit earlier than that!
August 28, 2025
- Another rainy day (somewhere) which caused me to not be able to go and walk. Actually, I could have walked since it wasn't exactly raining when I looked out the window early this morning. It had rained, and it was going to rain again, but at the moment it wasn't raining...and I still decided to just lay back in the bed for a few more minutes without taking my walk.
- Keaton and Campbell went to their first day of Mother's Day Out this morning. This was a teacher's meeting day plus a meet the teacher day so they were done around lunch time. Since they were gone all morning long, it was just the boys and me here working.
- Graham knocked out his school work that he needed to do with me while I tried to hurry Whitman along since I was leaving fairly early. And surprisingly, I did get him to finish most things by the time that I left at 11. I believe that he had 4 things to do-but then why in the world would he still be doing math at 5? Bless him!
- After I picked up the girls, I ran into Walmart and then the Dollar Tree before dropping some things off at Goodwill. It was about 8 bags of clothes from the girls' room so at least I could legitimately mark off the "clean out" item on my list for the day.
- We came home, and I quickly did spelling with Whitman. Then it wasn't too long before Robby and I left with Campbell. We picked up a friend and then dropped them off at a volleyball game. While she was gone, Robby and I ran a few errands plus we stopped to eat soup at Newks, picked up peaches for a cobbler at Kroger, and then bought some cookies at Crumble.
- The Wilson's came over for a little bit, and Shannon and I ran to pick up Campbell. After the Wilsons left I had to work on my blog some-and my goal is to not fall asleep on the couch like I did last night!
August 27, 2025
- I took my walk early this morning, and then folded my little load of laundry. So far, all of my laundry loads have been less than usual. Anderson and Reagan aren't really multiple clothes a day people (Graham and Campbell are), so I'm not sure why the laundry has been less.
- We started n our school work this morning-and I think that I'm even going to get a few new things in the mail this weekend which makes me super excited.
- Graham and Campbell go to work early on Wednesday, so it didn't seem like they were home for long. Keaton set her timer for a short nap but ended up sleeping most of the afternoon long. That just left Whitman and me doing school for the rest of the afternoon.
- Campbell drove Keaton, Whitman, and I to Nonna's house for a quick stop for cookies and computer fixing. Then she also drove to the library-Whitman wanted to find a book which they didn't have.
- We made it to church a few minutes before Graham did. When church was over, Graham and Campbell went to ChickFilA while it took the rest of us to carry all of Campbell's things back to the car-she had taken cheese dip for her class. (Her class is so large that they pretty much devoured 3 bags of chips).
- I finished off the cheese dip when we came home. Now, Robby and I are watching a show, but I sure can not keep my eyes open!
August 26, 2025
- This was a happy morning for me: first, I love the rain, and then I loved that it was raining preventing me from doing my morning walking. This meant that I was able to sleep a little longer. Yes, I know that there is a treadmill upstairs, but that's no fun. I even thought about walking this afternoon, but it just looked dreary outside so I sure didn't.
- We did the school thing this morning-is it bad that I have a calendar this year counting down the days that we have done school so I can mentally calculate the percentage of days left? Seriously, school is going well.
- Speaking of school, this was Anderson and Reagan's first day of classes. Anderson had just 2 classes today, and I think that Reagan might have had 3. And I even got first day of school pictures so I could not be happier.
- Robby ran some errands this afternoon, but I spent a good deal of that time finishing school with Whitman. I made some pasta for supper, but somehow it was just enough for the kids and not me or Robby. I guess I have to get used to cooking for 6 instead of 8.
- Now, we have just finished watching Survivor with Campbell and Keaton. I think that ice cream may be in my future tonight, but we shall see!
August 25, 2025
- Monday morning and day 15 of school-I woke up and took my walk in the slightly cooler weather. Then I came home to start waking everyone up. This is Keaton and Campbell's first week to cram everything in 3 days plus Campbell and Graham's first week back at work. Those two things added some more excitement to school this morning, but we all managed everything.
- Campbell and Graham did the work thing most of the afternoon, and by 4 they were texting asking for ChickFilA. Robby, who had worked in the yard most of the afternoon, suggested that if people worked in the yard then they could earn some ChickFilA supper.
- Keaton, Whitman, and I went right outside to start work. However, by the time that we made it out, it was starting to sprinkle. We still went right to work. Keaton drove the tractor all around the yard stopping to pick up sticks. Whitman worked on raking some piles while we were all throwing branches and everything else into the fire.
- Campbell and Graham were glad to see that our yard work was finished by the time that they came home, but now they owe Robby some yard work time since they still enjoyed the ChickFilA.
- Most folks had showers after our supper, and now I'm sitting on the couch waiting on the right time to get my hot chocolate for the evening.
August 24, 2025
- It was around midnight last night when I made it home from picking up Keaton. Campbell did jump in the car and ride with me on this late night excursion so that did make it more fun. Keaton had lots of fun on her lake day with some friends-lots of fun and apparently no sunscreen. She wasn't as red this morning as I thought that she would be so that was a good thing.
- This morning Keaton and Campbell had the offering. This was a new spot so they were in the front section-this was easy for Campbell because that is where she sits; however, Keaton sits in the way top of the balcony. All through the prayer this morning before the offering, I was peeking to see if Keaton was indeed going to make it to her section in time-she did with a few moments to spare.
- After church, we went to get gas before going to Grannymom's house for lunch. Without the college kids (Lilly, Reagan, and Anderson) we were able to get around the dining room table today. We ate and visited for a while before heading home for our afternoon siestas. It does crack me up that most of the kids take a Sunday afternoon nap. (Now my Whitman has never been a napper-when he was little he wasn't a napper, and he is the only one that can stay up all night long too.)
- Campbell and Graham went to Rock Creek this evening for church. They made it home just as supper was ready for us and the Wilsons. We had beans, cornbread, jambalaya, and peanut butter brownies. We visited until it was time to end the weekend and start the week!
- I did get a short report for Anderson-he said that the weekend was pretty good. He was getting tired of all of the Wow activities and meetings. His group went to Park Hill today, and he enjoyed that church. I have also tracked him, and I know that he is enjoying all of his time playing pickleball and basketball over the last few days. Reality will come on Tuesday when classes start.
August 23, 2025
- This morning wasn't too early, but we were busy carting the girls around. Our first stop was to take Campbell to a birthday party. She was there until around 2:30 when we had to send Graham to pick her up. We are certainly glad that we have a driver still at the house.
- We had about an hour until it was time to drop Keaton off-only a mile from where we had to take Campbell. We went to Dollar General and found some candy for her, candy for Anderson's first school care package (purple and gold is the theme), and candy for Robby.
- His care package will go out sometime in September. I have to now work on Reagan's birthday care package. It is funny how jealous my people get every time I bring home things to put in their little box.
- After we dropped of Keaton, Robby and I headed towards home, but we ended going towards Costco. We ran a few errands before making it to Costco. There we picked up some tissue paper and hot pockets-plus a coke, hot dog (that we split), and a chicken bake (as Graham's payment for picking up Keaton)
- At home, I did a few things and almost had time for a nap, but we left again. We thought that Keaton was going to be home in a few hours. The plan had been to run some errands and make some money while we waited, but even after catching up with the Wilsons and eating at Different Dough Pizza, she still had not left the lake to head home.
- Robby and I ran one more errand before we headed home. Graham is out playing basketball with a friend, and I'm now waiting on work to go and pick up Keaton! (It's going to be a late night, and I thought those were going to slow down when the college kids left.)
August 22, 2025-Freshman Move in Day for Anderson
- This morning started early. When I went upstairs to wake up Anderson, he was already awake. I think that he might have been a little excited about the day, but he then did go back to sleep so maybe not as excited as I thought.
- We were in the car by 8:15. The low tire light came on as we were on Springhill. Robby pulled over and checked the tire pressure and all was well, so we pressed on. The drive to campus wasn't bad, and we were in the line of cars waiting to check in before 9:30.
- Last year we were in the line of car for no more than 30 minutes probably because we had an early move in time. However, this year the line took around an hour and a half. It wasn't too horrible since there was a lot to look at during this time, but we were ready to move on.
- When we made it to Anderson's dorm, we got out of the car, and there was no one around. Last year with Reagan, swarms of people came to the car to unload, but this year we were getting a little panicky.
- Anderson had gone to get his id and check in, so Robby and I just started unloading everything and sitting it on the ground. Before too long, people started showing up and moving Anderson's things to his room.
- Reagan and Ethan even walked up at the right time to take a few loads for us. Reagan had started her morning working at O.C. Bailey moving in freshman boys there. Then she was sent to the Freshman girls' dorms. She did look like she had been working hard, but Ethan, and then later Brett when we saw him, were pretty drenched in sweat-and it wasn't even noon yet.
- When the car was unloaded, Robby took it to park. I stood by the stuff until it was taken up the steps, and then I headed to Anderson's room. His roommate had moved in Wednesday, so the furniture was arranged, and the room was clean.
- Anderson went right to work making his bed. He worked on that, and then started on all of the cord work with Robby. (Note to self: so, so many cords-bring more next time and bring more things to secure them.) While they did this, I unloaded the things in his closet and drawers. They have quite a bit of storage space in their room.
- Within one hour, we were pretty much finished. By an hour and a half, we were loading up to go and eat lunch. We had lunch in Caddo at Fat Boys, and we highly recommend it. Robby and I split an open face bbq sandwich with beans and bbq on both sides. Plus then we had a peanut butter pie-we were dropping a baby off at college today so we needed a pick me up.
- Then it was back to campus. We met the president and had some punch in front of Cone Bottoms. They had some good looking cookies, but I was full from lunch. Then we went to the mail box area and tried to open Anderson's mail slot-we struggled.
- At 3, everyone meets for speakers and prayer. It lasted less than an hour, but it closes by them naming each student as they pray for them-all 403 of them. They are saying their names all over the room, and it is a pretty neat thing.
- Afterwards, we were told to say our goodbyes and leave, and we did just that. Anderson and the church boys were sticking pretty close together, so we were all glad that they already know a few people. Their schedule is pretty busy over the next few days, which will give them plenty of time to meet some new people.
- Robby and I headed home, and when we came home Graham had already taken Campbell and Keaton to babysit. He had also ran to Nonna and Pops' house to fix their tv. While he was out, he picked himself up some ChickFilA. The termite man also came today so Keaton had to talk to him-the kids were doing a lot of adulting today.
- Whitman may be a little excited that Anderson left because I did let him have Anderson's old computer. He was so excited about-we probably should have gotten out on of our old computers a long time ago.
August 21, 2025
- I have thought that today was Monday for most of the day long. It's been a day full of busyness. I did finish most of things off of my list, but the house is still a wreck, and we still have quite a bit left to do-mainly loading Anderson's things in the van-this will not take nearly as long as loading Reagan's things.
- We did the school thing this morning. It went just fine-this will be the last Thursday for a while that Keaton and Campbell will be here since they start Mother's Day Out next week. I made the school schedule for next week, and fitting 4 days of work into 3 days makes things tight.
- I spent a good deal of the day trying to get one last prescription for Anderson. The doctor prescribed an excema cream for him on Tuesday, but it never go to the pharmacy. I called Sams twice and the doctor's office twice-my next step was just going to the doctor's office and politely waiting, but thankfully it finally made it to Sams, and Robby was able to pick it up.
- I ran to Pops' house today to put another blood sugar monitor on him. I visited for a few minutes before I hurried home to do a few more things. Anderson spent some time on his helmet. He also worked on making his phone calendar handy as well as packing a few things. He is currently at church so when he does get home tonight, we have to finish packing (cords, cords, more cords) and then load the car.
- Keaton and Campbell spent a good deal of the day watching Survivor-and blast, that show can suck me in as well. By 5, I was settled on the couch watching along with them. Robby brought home supper tonight after running a few errands. We ate and then Robby and I started working on submitting a few receipts for our homeschool money. We plan to work on this project for another hour and then begin loading up the baby boy for college!
August 20, 2025-Sophomore Move in Day for Reagan
- The morning started like usual except there was a bit less school for everyone to do this morning. Well, less for everyone except for Graham-he still had the same amount. Everyone was able to finish by 11 plus we had some extra time before time to leave.
- We had done all of the heavy lifting yesterday loading the car, so when it was time to leave today we just all piled in the cars. Some of the kids even made lunches to take a eat on the way.
- All the boys were riding with me in the white van. Keaton rode with Robby in the mini van, and Reagan and Campbell rode in Reagan's car. We stopped to get gas on the way there.
- Once we arrived, there wasn't too much happening on the campus. Reagan went to check in, and then we made a plan. I drove the big van up to the sidewalk in the front where all the kids and Robby met me.
- The unloaded the van and started carrying everything to Reagan's room while I drove off. I parked and climbed in the mini van, and we did the same thing. Reagan had a few things in her car, but it was enough for me to go and get it for the final load.
- By 1:25 we were done taking everything to Reagan's third floor room. Since I was moving the cars, I didn't take anything up the stairs or elevator. Robby said that he only carried one load up. Now, Campbell's face was bright red when I made it up to where she was. Robby said that was because she carried a bookshelf up 2 flights of stairs by herself.
- Reagan is in Maddox this year-it is two rooms that share a bathroom and a common living area. She was assigned to the room that she wanted to be in plus her room mate isn't moving in until later so that made move in day really easy.
- All of the things were put in Reagan's room as they brought them up the stairs. The first order of business was putting out the rug that she had bought for the living area. After that, Graham started working on the shelf that goes over the potty, and Reagan worked on the bookshelves that she brought for the living area.
- The girls and I started putting things away in Reagan's room. It took a minute to get a plan, but after her bed was made-I started emptying all of her bins on her empty room mates bed. Before long, every few minutes, we would have another bin emptied, and things were looking better.
- Robby took Graham, Campbell, Keaton, and Whitman to Sonic before they left. They had to hurry home for church tonight because this was the first Wednesday night of the school year.
- Anderson left to go and find her roommate who was moving in today. Then he showed back up, and left again. This time he went to meet the guy he will do his work study for. Reagan then met him at the bookstore, and they picked up some of their books.
- When they came back, we left with the Wilson's for a Sonic run. Anderson found some friends in the apartments, but Reagan picked him up and met us at the Mexican restaurant down the road. She had a friend with her, and we had the Wilsons with us, and we all enjoyed our food.
- We hurried home so Anderson could meet his friends to play pickleball. After church, Graham pushed the others out of the car so he could go and meet the pickleballers too. It's been a busy day, but tomorrow will be fairly busy as well because we have some last minute packing to do for Anderson.
August 19, 2025
- Currently, I'm sitting on the couch and just had Whitman bring me a bottle of coke-that may be a good sign about how this day has been...except that it's been a pretty good day, but I'm exhausted.
- We started on our school at the right time this morning even though I did get out of bed about 10 minutes late. We sleep with a fan, but way early this morning it started squeaking-enough so that I got up once to turn it to another speed, and then Robby had to get up twice and eventually turn it off.
- I am not really a fan of the fan, but when it was very quiet in our bedroom, it was indeed very quiet in our bedroom, and I really didn't like it. I'm not sure what tonight's plan is.
- School went fine-when Whitman takes all day to get his school done because of all of his breaks, he doesn't seem to mind it. The others give him a hard time about his breaks which he doesn't like. I'm not too crazy about the breaks, but I'm learning to not be too frustrated about it taking all day.
- I took Anderson to the doctor today since his excema has been flaring up. They sent him a prescription that I'll get for him Thursday. Then we went to Academy since Keaton was with us-she had bought some shoes that didn't fit. We went in the store and pretty much had a crazy experience-couldn't find help, find someone great to help, ended up buying more shoes for less online because the employee got us a discount, returned the first shoes, and left with a 45 cent gift card along with our refund. It was odd, but good for Keaton.
- Then we headed home and tried to beat the rain, but we didn't make it at all. Once home, I started on baking my bread that I had made earlier in the day, along with baking banana bread, and then cooking supper.
- Before we ate supper, it took everyone to load up Reagan's things-her car is full, the mini van is full, and the big van is mostly full. I'm already dreading move out day. I'm just hoping that tomorrow goes smoothly.
- We had our supper, and then Anderson went to work on his helmet. He has been working on his last Star Wars helmet all day long. It involves a lot of fine details so it takes much time. I think that he feels the time crunch since he just has a few more days here before school.
August 18, 2025
- I was out last last night so I also got in bed later as well. This also means that all of the kids did as well; however, we still did pretty good today. Well, Whitman was still finishing one school thing around 6 this evening.
- That wasn't too bad though since he spent at least an hour this morning making a solar oven-Keaton and Graham helped him. Then he also checked his s'mores that were baking occasionally. It didn't take long for the chocolate bars to melt in the sun, but it took a bit longer for the marshmallows to melt. By the time that he did get around to eating one, they were incredibly melted, so I guess that the solar oven was a success.
- One of Graham's college classes started today so that added a bit to our day. Anderson spent a good bit of the morning and afternoon working on one of his Star Wars helmets that he 3D printed. He is trying to get it painted and finished before he leaves on Friday. He did have to stop for a bit to pack a few clothes with me-he is pretty much packed up.
- Reagan ran to Nonna's house today to pick up a skirt that Nonna ironed. Campbell and Keaton jumped at the chance to go out and about so after the stop at Nonna's, they ended up at the mall. Old Navy was having a decent sale so they all ended up with something from there.
- Robby had chicken from a shop today which was part of supper. Campbell had 3 pieces of it while Keaton had 2 pieces and made herself a rice bowl. Reagan ate orange chicken and made her more rice as well. Anderson had a leftover burger from last night, while Graham has only eaten an oatmeal cream pie-as far as I know. Anderson and I made pizza quesadillas for Whitman's supper, and then I ate leftover dip from last night.
- Keaton and I have just had a mini survivor marathon, and other than that the house is pretty quiet this evening.
April 17, 2025
- Sunday morning here, and as usual our ride to church was fairly quiet. This always stresses me out, but I think that the kids are just not that chatty early in the morning.
- Church was good, and Whitman was timing us to see how long it took us to get out of our class. The lesson was over, but we were all just standing around chatting which is nice to do occasionally. He was quick to grab the car keys and head to the car.
- We celebrated Nonna's birthday today for lunch. We were a little bit late on the celebration since her birthday was Wednesday. We picked up pizza, and I had made oatmeal cream pies and peanut butter brownie pizzas.
- When we came home, I think that pretty much everyone in the house had a nap-maybe Whitman and Anderson did not nap. Graham was the first to leave with Campbell-they went to Rock Creek. When Rock Creek was over, Graham went to play pickleball.
- I went to Traci's house for the evening. Robby dropped me off and then ran some errands for the rest of the evening. I was home fairly late, and then after chatting with Robby it was super late. Now, I am just getting to the blog.
August 16, 2025
- I slept quite a bit longer this morning than I do during the week, but when I did wake up I started on the normal things: laundry and dishes. It was pretty quiet in the house especially after Robby left to run some errands.
- I worked in the kitchen making some desserts for tomorrow. I should have made one more for my thing tomorrow night, but couldn't think of what I'd make, so I decided to put it off until tomorrow.
- When I did finish in the kitchen, I moved to the living room and started to crochet some. By the end of the month, I will have all of my squares made for my new blanket. Then I will have to attach them together, make a border in two different colors, and the possibly made a border with little balls on it.
- The kids started to wake up and some of them still had chores to do from this last week. Campbell and Keaton both had showers because they went to babysit this evening. Robby and I took them, and then we ran some errands afterwards.
- While we were gone, Graham went to a get together at someone's house. He hasn't been there long, but since he is still there I am willing to bet that they have plenty of food.
- When we came in from our errand, we heated up some pizza rolls which Reagan, Anderson, and Whitman all ate. I did burn the roof of my mouth on them. Anderson and Reagan are in on this Saturday night because most of their friends have already left for school.
- Later tonight I'll have to get out to pick up Keaton and Campbell, but other than that, I don't plan on doing much...actually, I'm going to work on some school things on my computer for a bit.
August 15, 2025
- I just love me some Fridays. I did my walk this morning, and since Bentley was awake when I came home, I took her on another half mile little stroll. We came in, and I went to work on my list.
- Before too long it was time to wake up Reagan. She has had a big day-lunch with two friends, shopping with Ethan, and then supper at a friend's house. She hasn't been home since before lunch so when she does come home, she will be exhausted.
- Speaking of exhausted: Whitman was exhausted today. When I came through the living room this morning, he was asleep on the couch. We are going to have to get a little more strict about the bedtimes around here when Reagan and Anderson go back to school-until then, we are just content with things being kind of crazy around here until then.
- Robby took Anderson to get his hair cut this afternoon. I then met them at Academy-we found Anderson a pair of shoes and ended up ordering them online. Then we went to Walmart so I could buy some snack for him-kind of made me sad buying him snacks for his dorm room.
- Robby picked up a van load of things from Sams, ran by Grannymom's house, and then grabbed more things from the grocery store. On his way home though, at least 2 cases of waters fell on some of his groceries. Mostly they crushed a few bags of chips and a bag of doughnuts. We opened the chips and doughnuts and used those to supplement our supper.
- The weather was pleasant this evening so Robby and I took a little walk with Bentley, but mostly I have been reading and crocheting all evening. I have a library book that is due so I'm trying to finish it quickly.
August 14, 2025
- After my walk this morning, I woke up the big boys so they could go and mow Pops' front yard. It didn't take them long at all, and soon they were already back home.
- Keaton and Campbell didn't have much school time this morning because they had to babysit this morning at 10:30. I let them skip a few non important things, but today was a good reminder that they are going to have to cram a lot more school into just 3 days when they start working at Mother's Day Out again in a few weeks.
- Reagan said that she was awake most of the night last night because she was thinking about moving in. She is so looking forward to going back to school-she loves moving in and getting to organize and arrange things plus this time she doesn't have the stress of it all being new and needing to make friends.
- So really, it was just Whitman and me doing school today. He still ended up with 3 things after lunch, but I'm just going to be okay with that. Only 3 things after lunch is a good goal, and surprisingly, he seems to fly through his math when he does it after lunch. Growing up we always did math when we came in from recess, so maybe there really was something to that.
- I picked up Keaton and Campbell from their babysitting gig. They had fun and were well rewarded so it was a win for them. Reagan, Keaton, and I ran to Grannymom's house to drop off some shirts that Reagan wanted hemmed.
- Then we hurried home so she could get ready for church tonight. Reagan and Anderson have really enjoyed the young adults church services on Thursday nights this summer. This was officially the first fall one after summer, but since they were still here, they went.
- Afterwards, Graham met Anderson to play volleyball. I haven't looked but I know that they will end up at Sonic. Reagan went to another Sonic with some friends to play volleyball. I would think since there are less people in town now, everyone will be home at a decent time, but maybe I should go ahead and start my dishwasher so I can have something to when they all come in.
- Keaton, Campbell, Robby, and I went to eat at Texas Roadhouse this evening. After we ate, we dropped the girls off and went to visit with the Wilson's for a little bit.
August 13, 2025
- It was super humid today on my walk. Since no one is awake when I come back afterwards, I thought about stripping my clothes off right there in the kitchen. I did wait until I made it to my closet, but everything on me was wet.
- I woke up the school people, and we started school. Whitman still had 3 things left this afternoon, but he didn't dally and finished them rather quickly this afternoon.
- The plan was to celebrate Nonna's birthday today, instead she spent the day at the doctor's office while Pops' had a heart cath. Thankfully, they found nothing wrong, but now they have to figure out why he is feeling so bad.
- After I left there, I met Robby at Cracker Barrel to split a supper. When I made it home, I packed some with Anderson-he just has his clothes really to pack. We even ordered him a few more shirts today.
- Then I did some spelling with Whitman, and afterwards I did some packing with Reagan. Oh gracious. I don't remember what she had last year, but I estimate there will be at least 25 trips to move her into her dorm.
- She is worried that she has too much stuff. Anderson was also worried that he was going to have more stuff than other people. I pointed to his sister's pile to reassure him that he has the right amount.
- Robby made egg in the hole for some of the kids for supper. And after cleaning up, we have been on the couch. I think that I'm in the mood for ice cream tonight since it's been a long day.
August 12, 2025
- Another day of school and another afternoon filled with college move in day prep. We did the school thing this morning, and I think that maybe Whitman is getting into a routine of completing most things before lunch time.
- When he completes 5 things, he earns himself a 7 minute break. Of course he has some things that are super quick (going over geography cards) but others take a lot longer (math or science). He obviously does the quicker things first and takes his break.
- Today and late last week, I would catch him after his break and sit nearby and slide him the next thing to do. He can take 5 minutes staring at his list trying to decide what to do next. If I can keep it going then that helps.
- Today at lunch time, he only had 3 things left-math (hard), reading (easy), and science (medium). I explained that he could have an hour break for lunch, but then he had to finish it all. I guess he didn't exactly hear me because at 5 he walked through the living room saying that he was going to to go and read. Tomorrow I will have to be more clear with my instructions.
- I didn't do any packing with Anderson today, but he had added a few things to his pile. I did do some shopping with Reagan. She is currently plant and lamp obsessed so today we went to Marshalls for her to buy a lamp that she has been wanting and then to Hobby Lobby to buy a plant for the pot she bough the other day. We did quickly stop at Goodwill just to see if they had any chairs. They did not, so she ended up buying a chair at Hobby Lobby-I had to ask the people if we would be able to bring it back inside if we couldn't get it in the car. It was close, but we were able to get it in the car.
- Actually, by the time we came home, the trunk was full, the backseat between Campbell and Keaton was full, and I was holding bags plus there were more at my feet while Reagan drove.
- Most of our purchases were at Walmart. She had not bought all of her essentials-cosmetics, school supplies, and snacks so we filled a buggy full. It took no time at all for Campbell and Keaton to leave us at Walmart and go their own way. They even found a few things themselves.
- Once at home, the kids started leaving-Anderson took Reagan's car to go and eat before playing volleyball. He took her car because Graham didn't want to drive the minivan. Then Graham left in the Suburban to play volleyball. Reagan wasn't going anywhere, but left a bit after the boys to go and play pickleball. Since she had let Anderson take her car, she had someone come and pick her up.
- Tonight I have had my hot chocolate, crocheted 4 squares, and am now finishing up the blog-though I have at least 4 more hours to be awake since this house doesn't really come alive until 12ish lately.
August 11, 2025
- 5th day of school here and the 5th day that I have been up on time. I was hurrying a little bit trying to get as much accomplished before it was time to wake up the kids. Calling the dentist was the number 1 priority this morning (after my walk.)
- Saturday night after Robby and I went to sleep, Graham was brushing and afterwards felt something come out of his front tooth. He had a filling there earlier in the summer and part of the filling fell out. It wasn't noticeable unless you really looked; however, the girls said that Graham was about to have a panic attack.
- I was able to get him an appointment for this afternoon, and it didn't take long at all for them to fix his tooth right up. He and Robby even ran some errands afterwards including picking up Reagan's suit skirt from Grannymom's house.
- School went well today-I do think that Whitman just finished his reading. He zoomed through his work this morning, but he had about 4 things this afternoon. So instead of getting them done, he would wait and take an hour or so break between each one.
- Reagan and Anderson spent a good deal of time in the bonus room with me working on packing things up. Anderson put together his desk chair, and I think that he enjoyed getting things ready for school.
- Many of Reagan's people have already gone back to school, so she is getting a bit stir crazy without many places to go. She did find a friend at Sonic tonight. Campbell also found a party to go to tonight. She is swimming with some friends tonight so I'll have to pick her up sometime this evening-I haven't heard yet!
August 10, 2025
- Sunday morning here and for some reason my girls didn't set their alarms. I made sure that the boys were awake-though when I went up for one of my "boy checks," I noticed that Anderson's clothes were not laying in the floor-he was laying in the bed wearing them. I couldn't complain since he was awake, dressed, and ready.
- Campbell and I worked worship care during big church this morning. It was promotion Sunday so things were a bit chaotic in the Children's area. I had the tiny babies and spent most of the time carting them around in the wagon. Campbell was walking around with a boy who was crying on her hip most of the morning long.
- Then our Sunday school class had food which certainly made my heart happy! There were even scones there-so I spent the whole lesson thinking about how I could get another scone to put in my bag and take home.
- We had lunch at Grannymom's house-she had pizza which we have not had for a very long time. Then the boy boys rushed off to meet their friends at Pinnacle. They climbed the hard side which Graham said was indeed "hard." Then they rushed in and quickly to shower and left again.
- The boys were gone until after 10 at a house playing nearby playing pickleball and eating. They had a good time with their friends this evening and came home and chatted all about it.
- I took Campbell to a friend's house for the evening after my nap. Then I was home for a bit before I left to pick up Charlotte, pick up supper for Traci, pick up Sophia, and finally drop all of the girls off at a party.
- I hurried to the Wilson's house for supper, and Robby had to leave next to pick up Campbell from her party-it was 4 hours long, but it seemed like it was just a bit since I was busy the entire time. Reagan and Ethan left the Wilson's just in time for Reagan to bring Campbell home and then later go and pick up Keaton which super helped out.
- The girls were all downstairs in the living room when the boys came in from their evening, so all of us sat in there and talked until almost midnight. I'm going to miss these summer nights.
August 9, 2025
- Robby and I were both up early this morning, and it was a fairly quiet morning. I worked on my crocheting, and even though I know I will complete this project by Christmas (my goal), it is still a lot to do.
- Anderson was awake fairly early as well. He did come downstairs and ask where Whitman was since he wasn't in his bed. We were pretty sure that he was in the bonus room, but I did check just to make sure-he was sound asleep in the bonus room with all of the lights on. I guess he stayed up fairly late last night!
- Robby and I left to run some errands-we ended at Kroger where we had to buy spoons because we were in the one car that doesn't have a pack of spoons for ice cream emergencies. Today wasn't really an ice cream emergency, but it was an ice cream sale on little Ben and Jerrys so Robby and I enjoyed some today as we drove home.
- We did pick up Annie for her afternoon and evening visit. By the time that we all came home, all of the kids were awake. Reagan has been steadily working on everything that she needs for room-now she just has to organize everything to get ready for move in day.
- Reagan also decided on her red suit that she needs for her social club. She had ordered 4 different ones, and finally made her decision today. The jacket fits her perfectly, but the skirt hits between her ankles and shins! It's going to Grannymom tomorrow for some repair work.
- Reagan went out to play pickleball tonight, but the big boys didn't have anything. Campbell left at 5 to go and babysit. Keaton had a Bible study group party at 7 (thankfully, I didn't have to drive her to do that), but both girls are probably going to finish around the same time-but probably not close enough to save me from making two different trips.
- We had manicotti for supper, and now I'm curled up on the couch watching the clock to see when I have to leave for my pick ups to begin.
August 8, 2025
- I woke up this morning and did my normal chores at about the same time as usual even though we weren't doing school today. When I had finished with most things, I changed out of my clothes that were nasty from my morning walk and put on clothes for the day.
- Then I realized that Bentley was already down stairs, and since I really needed to take her on a walk, I left with her. By that time, it was pretty warm outside so we just made it a half of a mile before I decided to come in since I didn't want to change clothes again-after all, I'm the one doing the laundry. Plus, she isn't the greatest dog to walk lately-I have slacked on taking her on a walk, and she has forgotten any skills that she has.
- I worked on scheduling one more test for Anderson where he can possibly earn credit for a science class. This took a bit, and Robby eventually had to help, but the test is scheduled for next Friday. Then it was time for me to leave to take Campbell to eat and shop with some friends.
- She had a big day-lunch at Layne's, shopping at Target and Home Goods, and even drinks at Sonic. Her friend brought her home which was also super nice. As I was on my way home from dropping her off, Reagan asked if I would want to go dorm room shopping with her. Within 10 minutes, we were leaving for that adventure.
- Keaton came along too, and we started at Home Goods where we bought a mirror for her desk. Then we went to Goodwill, At Home, and Hobby Lobby where we had no luck. Finally, we were successful at Target where she bought 2 pillows, a hand towel, and a pretty.
- She has a pretty long list of things that she needs-tv, tv stand, coffee table, big mirror, sheets, rug, shelf-but by the end of the day the tv and coffee table were all bought by roommates. Hopefully, we can buy one or two more things in the next day or so since we are running out of time.
- When we came home, Annie was over playing. We were home for a bit, and then we left to go and eat at Texas Roadhouse with Keaton and Campbell. There was a quick trip to Walmart on the way home, but pretty much as soon as we did get home, those girls went to town on cleaning out their room. Currently, they have 4 trash bags of clothes to get rid of. Hopefully, they will keep cleaning and organizing because they still have a long ways to go!
- Reagan left to go and eat supper with another friend who is leaving for college tomorrow. She had one leave today and another leaves tomorrow. I think that she is ready to get back, but she has had a fun summer, and will miss some of her friends from here.
August 7, 2025
- We finished our first week of school-just 176 more days. Ha! Not that many because I really don't think that I could make it. Actually, school has gone fairly smoothly this week. I don't expect that every day, but I'm thankful that this week has been easy.
- I'm also a little bit tired this week because I have been getting up at 7 each morning so I can do all of my things before we do have to start school. I know for most people that is not early at all, but when you are still staying up until 1 each night, seven is early.
- Graham went to lunch with a friend this afternoon. Then he met the others at the Sander's house for an end of the year party for the youth group. Whitman enjoyed the pool and was team captain for the kickball game. Not many of Campbell's friends were there, so she would have enjoyed it more if her other folks were there. Keaton had a blast with her friends.
- And the big boys must not have gotten enough friend time being at the party from 2-6 because as soon as they came home and changed clothes, they left again to go and play volleyball. Summer is quickly coming to an end for all these extra outings since kids will start going back to college and starting school each morning, but until they do, the big boys are soaking up the fun.
- Reagan has also been gone most of the day. She went to a meeting at church during lunch. Then she came home for a bit and started thinking about dorm room shopping. She has a long list of things that she wants, and she has to start shopping because she doesn't have much time at all before she goes back. This evening she left for pickleball.
- Robby and I ran some errands this afternoon. Then when we came home, I pulled out school for next week, read, and even crocheted-and then I decided that I possibly need another hobby. The house was fairly quiet and I'd done all that I could think of (except clean the potties-I don't want to be an overachiever).
- I did help Whitman make some peanut butter cookies tonight, and there was a lot of time watching Annie and Bentley-two dogs is like having two toddlers, and I've done that before and don't want to do it again.
August 6, 2025
- The last few nights I have been trying to start the dishwasher at 9 so I can unload it when it is bedtime. I did that successfully last night, but sine the college girl was out until after midnight, I also did the laundry. When I woke up this morning, I didn't have those two dreaded chores to do his morning which started my day of incredibly well.
- I took my walk by myself because Bentley was still sleeping. I was able to do a few more things in the house before it was time to wake up the kids for school. I did forget to wake Graham up, but since he doesn't really have much school while he is waiting for his college classes to start.
- Whitman did get a little bit soar at me today because I wouldn't let him take a break during school. He did jump on the trampoline for 5 minutes-that was indeed part of his list today. We were trying to get to Nonna and Pops' house for lunch so he needed to work and not play.
- We at lunch with Nonna and Pops. She cooked quesadillas for everyone. They were all enjoyed lunch, and after a bit of visiting we headed home. I was able to do spelling with Whitman before taking Campbell to her friend's house for the evening.
- Whitman then had 3 things left to do for school plus chores-he finished these around 7. He said that he would set his alarm to do one every hour, and that is exactly what he did.
- On my way home from dropping Campbell off at her party, I picked up Annie and brought her home. While her family is gone, she came over to play with Bentley. They were not still until at least 7 or 8 tonight, so I know that they will both sleep very well this evening.
- It was kind of weird night tonight since the big boys didn't leave to play volleyball, and Reagan didn't leave to play pickleball. I made supper for the crew-just leftovers. I was going to cook tonight but felt that I should use up the leftovers.
- The evening was kind of quiet-I had a quick power nap before I went to pick up Campbell. Now, I'm on the couch and about to find some hot chocolate for myself!
August 5, 2025
- The second day of school went very well again. Actually, it was a bit surprising because everyone did finish fairly early. Whitman was still working early this afternoon, but he took a few breaks so I felt good about that. I had been worried that everyone had a bit too much work, but everything went smoothly.
- I tried to make bread again during school; however, it turned out like most of my bread does. I'm not giving up on this potato flake sourdough starter just yet. I have at least a few more attempts before I start feeling truly defeated.
- When school was over this afternoon, Keaton and Campbell both worked on their banners. I guess Whitman saw the girls painting and decided that he wanted to as well, so he pulled out the water colors.
- Reagan was gone most of the day-actually, she is still gone. She went to a friend's house, possibly another friend's house and at least 2 pickleball courts. Anderson left this afternoon for a little bit of pickleball and ended up at the same courts at Reagan.
- Anderson hurried home so he could shower before leaving again for the last Summer at the Station-everyone went. After their Bible study, they had a slip n slide which I think that everyone enjoyed. Whitman even enjoyed it so it must have been fun.
- When they all came home, everyone was quick to shower. Now Keaton and I are eating MandMs, and I can hear Bentley in the kitchen eating her meal as well.
August 4, 2025-First Day of School
- Since this was the first day of school, and since I really want to get my walk in each morning, I was out of bed at 7. It didn't take me long, and I was soon on my walk. Bentley was still asleep so she missed the walk, but around 8 she was sent downstairs so I was able to take her potty and brush her before school started.
- Even though it was the first day of school, we are a little bit in limbo because Reagan and Anderson are still here. They will be here for another two and a half weeks-Reagan better start buying things because she has a pretty big list.
- School went fairly well-Graham's 2 college classes haven't started yet and won't until around the 20th so he doesn't have much. Everyone else though has quite a bit of school-Whitman has 2 more things that I'm going to add, Campbell has 4 more things that I will add, and Keaton will get one more.
- However, today they just did half of their school work (the most important things), and it took a sweet minute. This probably wasn't the best day to start school because the kids had a lunch at Tacos for Life at noon so they had to leave early.
- Plus who schedules a mammogram on the first day of school-what was I thinking? It was at 1:30, and the kids were all gone already so it worked out fine. When I did come home, I just had to help Whitman finish since he had been taking a break while I was gone.
- This afternoon was fairly quiet-Robby took Campbell to a party-they swam, ate, and played pickleball. Anderson went to a get together as well. I actually drove past where he was and saw all of the cars parked in the driveway. I first wondered if it was a church, and then I decided that someone was having a party. Then I quickly realized that it was the house that Anderson was at.
- I ran to Pops' house for a bit this evening before going to pick up Campbell. Robby made quesadillas for everyone that were here, and they were delicious-I had a few when I came home. I also made another batch of bread dough this evening. I'm crossing my fingers that this bread experiment will be ever better than the last time.
- The dishwasher is running, Anderson is the only one not here, and Robby is watching the news so I'm going to read and look at a cookbook I picked up from the library tonight.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)