November 13, 2026-Battle of the Ravine Weekend 2026

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Marley first stirred around 7 this morning, but I laid really still, and we all went back to sleep. Robby and I were up occasionally-I think he caught up on work from yesterday's email outage, but for the most part I snoozed this morning until I finally did get out of bed. 

When we did get dressed for the day, we took the dogs on a walk. We were pleasantly surprised that even though it was pretty chilly outside, the sun made it bearable and even pleasant. We sat outside until Graham text asking what was for lunch. We said that we would make some pancakes and egg in the hole, so he came over around noon.

We had our breakfast then, a little late, but we all enjoyed it. We visited with Graham until he left, and then we pulled out Shannon's mahjong set. Robby, Keaton, Shannon, and I played a few games. All of those lessons I have given Robby helped him win a round. 

The afternoon really did seem to fly by, and soon we were walking the dogs before supper. We met Tony and Brett at Cracker Barrel. We didn't have to wait long in the gift shop, but while we did wait, we had plenty to look at. We got our table and soon ordered our supper. Most everyone got chicken-Robby and I got chicken fried chicken, but it was more like 2 big chicken tenders. The food was fine, but I don't have to go back there for a while. 

We had to run to Sonic on the way back to the camper. Then we joined the Wilsons in their camper to watch the end of the basketball game. While we were watching, Keaton joined us, Campbell laid in the camper, and Whitman worked on a science experiment in the camper. 

Now, we are all bedded down, and Robby is getting out of the shower. I'm about to get in the shower-we have a heater in there so when I get ready for my shower I take forever because it is so warm and cozy with the heater going-it is probably 100 degrees though in that bathroom. 

November 12, 2026-Battle of the Ravine Weekend 2026

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• Campbell and Keaton left this morning as I was reading to Whitman. I mostly read to Whitman, but for a few minutes I had clothes to put in the dryer and brownies to take out of the oven so he had to read a bit himself. He didn't mind plus it helped keep him awake. I must have forgotten to give Whitman a bedtime last night because Robby said that he was up pretty late last night.
• While the girls were at work, Whitman plugged along on his school work. He did most things by lunch and had a few more after lunch to do. I made another dessert for this weekend, and then I took a walk for a bit. I was finishing one book so I could start on another on the way here. 
• After my shower, Whitman and I left around 1:15. We had a time getting here. Whitman was asleep for most of it though. The boy has not taken a nap in about 10 years, but he sure took one today on the ride down here. 
• I knew that I had a mystery shop on the way to Arkadelphia, and I knew that it was in Malvern. I assumed that it was at our normal spot and since Robby hadn't answered my text, I just headed there. He didn't answer my text because my phone kind of stopped working-he wasn't able to track me nor were his text going through to me. He did eventually call to check in and after turning my phone off and back on, we were back up and running. He did call at the right time though because I was just about to pass my stop.
• We did that without a problem, but my next problem was the book I started listening to. It just started to sound like it was a sequel, and I like to listen to things in the right order. I asked Whitman to do some research, but he wasn't able to find anything out. (When I did get here, I was able to find out that I was indeed listening to a sequel, but I really had to do some deep diving to figure that out-most books on the library website are labeled if they are the second or third book, but this one was not.)
• The whole way here, I had thought that the car sounded windier than usual, and I had even tried to roll up the windows. It was strange, but we had some work done on it lately, and there was a new rattle, so I just through it was something related to that. However, when I got off at Caddo, I could tell I was dragging or scraping something. I was already stopping at the gas station there, so I called Robby.
• He gave me the all clear to just come on to the campsite. Once here, he was able to fix the problem-the plastic under thing in front of the tire was flapping and dragging some. He zip tied that baby, and hopefully it will hold.
• We then went to work setting up lights, so many lights, and tents and chairs, so many chairs at the Wilson's campsite. We are reading for Saturday and hope that the cold weather doesn't scare off the kids. The Wilsons arrived later in the evening, and once they got all set up Robby made quesadillas for supper. 
• We have already booked our spots for next year-there was someone already in our normal spot so we had to find new sites while on our walk tonight. Tomorrow it is going to be cold, so maybe the sun will be out and keep us warm at least some of the day. 

November 11, 2026

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• Another full day here. We started off on school this morning. Whenever I had a break, I worked on a few things around the house. Robby did his work and stopped at lunch to start loading the camper. 
• Also at lunch, my kitchen Christmas tree was delivered so that derailed all of my plans for a while. I dropped everything else and put it up. We didn't have a Christmas kitchen tree last year so I'm super glad that we have one this year. It is just a basic tree, but it does have colored lights which excited most people in the house. Currently, the lights are turned off because it is bedtime!
• Campbell went to work and was home within the house. There was little for her to do, so she finished what she knew to do and came home. I'm hoping that her job lasts the next year and a half. Keaton was headed to babysit this afternoon so Campbell ended up joining her. This was great news for me because that meant I didn't have to take Keaton which allowed me time to walk.
• Robby and the dogs headed to Degray. Once they were gone the house was pretty quiet with just Whitman and me here. After my walk, I got ready for church, and we headed that way. 
• After church, Campbell and Keaton went to ChickFilA while Whitman and I came home and played a game. He also did a few chores-but I'm sitting here looking at his laundry, and I guess he forgot that chore!

November 10, 2026

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• This was another good school day. Campbell was gone all morning at work (that's not what made it a good school day.) She had done some of her school last night so that helped her out some when she did come home around noon.
• Keaton is starting a new math so we worked a while on that this morning. She will be gone a few days next week during school so I'm trying to get her used to doing it. Whitman continues to plus along on his school work-he is pretty much going to have all different curriculum come January. 
• I decorated the living room tree today-putting ornaments on a tree is a pain for sure. It is not my favorite thing at all. However, I've been doing just a little bit each day getting ready for Christmas, and it is kind of nice. I wish that I was able to buy a few things every day too to make that all easier (I've only bought about 3 percent of my Christmas gifts.)
• This morning I finished tonight's cake. It is a snickerdoodle cake, and gracious I think I'm a bit jittery after eating it. It is incredibly way too sweet. I'm glad I tried it, but I won't be making it again. 
• I had mahjong tonight so I was gone when Graham and Brooklyn came over for a little bit. They had been out to eat and ate some cake before watching a movie. Now, I'm going to have myself some hot chocolate to maybe negate the sweetness of the cake. 

November 9. 2026

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• For a Monday morning, this was a really great Monday. Nothing exciting happened, but school got done, and I text a bit with all of the big kids. Bentley was the first one awake this morning; she was already downstairs when I walked through with the laundry.
• I did my morning things and then started reading with Whitman by 8:30. Campbell knocked out her school work and was ready to work with me as soon as I finished with Whitman. We checked her work and did her math.
• Keaton was finished next so she did her work. I am starting to realize that I need to pile on the work for Campbell and Keaton whenever I can because they are busy so often. They just got a house sitting gig for 4 days early next week. I write down their schedules on my calendar (one on the fridge and one on the phone), but I may have to get a larger calendar to keep up with everything.
• My main chores this afternoon were going on my walk, putting up the living room tree (I just got the tree up and nothing else), washing Graham's sheets, and making a cake for tomorrow (but not icing it). I'm sure I did a few other things plus I checked Whitman's school work and did a few school things with him.
• We also played a game this afternoon-this time he won! I have a basket of things that he and I need to do together, but we ran out of time today to do anything else. We had mostly all eaten some pizza earlier in the afternoon when Robby brought it home, so we didn't really have supper.
• However, I'm the only one awake in the living room right now (Robby, Bentley, and Marley are all sleeping-one of them is snoring. I think that it is Marley.) I'm going to have myself some hot chocolate and possibly read my book. Or maybe I will join the nappers!

November 8, 2026

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• Church morning, and Keaton, Campbell, and Lucy headed to church before the rest of us. They had the doors to do plus offering plate during the service. After church we all met up at Nonna and Pop's house for tacos for lunch. We stayed until the end of the Razorback basketball game. 
• After lunch, Robby ran a few errands, and Keaton drove the rest of us home. I did a few things around the house, but then I ended up on the couch snoozing away until Robby came home. 
• When he came home, I helped him unload, and then soon after we left with Keaton and Whitman. We dropped Keaton off at her life group and then dropped Whitman off at his life group. Then we went to our Sunday school bonfire fellowship-except there is a burn ban so we could have no fire.
• Campbell left a bit after we did for her life group-we were actually able to hear her and her friends at their life group house tonight. I'm sure the neighbors love them. Keaton and Whitman both had rides home so that was super nice, and we were able to stay a bit longer. 
• We made it home just a few minutes before Campbell did-I guess that we could have carpooled. Now, I'm sitting on the couch thinking about taking a hot shower and climbing into bed because it is pretty cold in this house!

November 7, 2026

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• It was a perfect Saturday morning-we had no where to be and really nothing to do today. We stayed in bed for a bit before getting up. I had a few things on my list today, and the biggest was putting up one more Christmas tree.
• I picked the easiest of those-the tree by Robby's office. Well, it should have been easy. It wasn't-at all. I was pretty sure that the lights would not work, and they didn't. They didn't even work at all. Robby tried to help with the lights, but it was hopeless. 
• We looked at getting a new tree, but even though this tree isn't huge there wasn't really anything that was a reasonable price. So, we move the tree to the mudroom and starting cutting off all of the lights. The old non working lights would have shown to much to just add new lights. We went to work on those lights, and it did take us nearly an hour to get them all of. 
• However, after that hour, it didn't take my anytime at all to add some lights and decorate the tree with all of our Disney ornaments. By this time the Hogs were playing so Robby watched them play while I finished with the tree and even had some hot chocolate since it was cold in our house.
• Campbell went to a baby shower for a friend that she knows from church. Afterwards, Campbell found some errands to run and even bought a sweater. Keaton had a birthday party tonight to go to. Robby and I dropped her off, and then we ran some errands. 
• Currently, Keaton, Campbell, and Keaton's friend who is spending the night are at Sonic for a drink. Robby and I have made brownies so I guess it is turning into a party here tonight!

November 6, 2026

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• This was a fun morning for me. I went to Des Arc to go to the Christmas warehouse there. Now, the fellowship was fun and all, but the shopping was just that. I didn't find anything that I wanted or even needed again this time. 
• I was tempted to buy one thing, but I just don't know where I would even put it in the house when I do decorate for Christmas. It did spur me on to get more Christmas out-right now I just have one tree out. I do plan to put one more up tomorrow. That will just leave the big living room tree which I might try to do next week and the kitchen tree which is being delivered in two weeks.
• After we shopped, we went to Nicks BBQ to eat lunch. Robby actually ate there yesterday; I know, what are the odds that we would eat lunch at the same restaurant an hour away from the house on two separate days. I had a hamburger which was pretty well done, but it was still pretty good.
• This morning I think that the kids did a few chores, but then Campbell went to work this afternoon. She did finish early so she was home for a bit before she headed off to this evening's babysitting gig. 
• Keaton had a party tonight, and luckily it was just down the road. Whitman was at home all day long, but Robby brought him home supper. Plus after we did some reading together this afternoon, I did play his new board game with him. It was a little overwhelming at first, but then I figured it out and even kind of enjoyed it.
• Robby and I had a mystery shop at a restaurant this evening. It was fun because it was something different to do-we even bowled a little bit. However, the food and the service was subpar. It's not that we have high standards, but pretty much every time that we go out to eat we leave saying that we don't have to go to the restaurant again. Tonight was no different!

November 5, 2026

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• It was an early morning for me-I helped at Mother's Day Out with Campbell and Keaton this morning. I was able to straighten the house a bit and wake Whitman up to start his school before we left.
• Robby left a few minutes after we did for a funeral and only made it home a bit before we did. This left Whitman at home all day alone doing school. I guess everything was fine because his school work was finished and the dogs were alive when we came home. 
• It was a good day to sub at Mother's Day Out-they had soups. Well, one of those soups was my girls' leftover soup from their MDO party on Tuesday. Plus I followed the girls' instructions and also requested the lunch-chicken nuggets. So I guess I that I actually had 2 lunches, but the soup was much better than the nugget lunch.
• My day went pretty smoothly especially since there was even a new little girl in the class. Most days that I'm at MDO I have super quiet classes-I think that I'm incredibly lucky. The girls stopped at the gas station on the way home to buy themselves a drink.
• Once at home, Campbell went to work on her scrapbook while I'm not really sure what Keaton did. After a bit, Whitman and I did some extra school work. While I was working with Whitman I realized that I had forgotten to do math with Campbell. I think that she had remembered about her math but kept quiet. I'm ready though tonight when she comes in from working at the church house.
• As soon as it turned 6, I was already on the couch about to enjoy my soup! Now, I'm going to read some and possibly take myself a nap!

November 4, 2026

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• Everyone was home today during school which was incredibly nice. Whitman and I read, and then I worked with Campbell and then Keaton. I was able to do a few things around the house this morning too.
• Most Wednesdays I put empty trash cans and take the trash can to the street on people's chore list. Also, most Wednesdays Robby or I will do that before they even get a chance to do it. However, this Wednesday they all knocked those chores out (with some gentle reminding) early in the morning.
• Campbell went to work this afternoon and was there the entire time. While she was gone, Whitman finished his school work and I took a walk. I am listening to a super long audio book and just have a few hours left so I wasn't in any hurry on my walk today.
• Soon it was time to go to church. Campbell and I both stopped to get gas on the way to church. The gas station was stopped at was a bit questionable, but we survived! Then it was church. On the way home, Whitman and I picked up our ChickFilA sandwiches on the way home while the girls went to ChickFilA to eat with their friends.
• Now, I'm going to get myself some hot chocolate and settle on the couch to read my book.

November 3, 2026

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• Campbell was not supposed to work today, but they called yesterday asking if she could so she left early this morning. Normally, she would only have been gone during the morning, but one of her babysitting families called in a panic needing someone to watch their sick kid during the afternoon so she did that after. 
• Thankfully, she had done a little bit of her school work last night. Tonight Keaton and Campbell had a Mother's Day Out party. They took potato soup-I doubled the recipe so they had enough soup to feed at least 25 people, but I think there wasn't even half that number there. She has already wrote to tell me that she will take the leftovers to church on Thursday.
• Whitman and I read this morning, and I'm pretty sure that he and I will read again next year as well. With everyone else, I have let them graduate from reading with me in the 9th grade, but man, there are so many excellent things to read that I just do not want to stop!
• Keaton and Whitman were pretty chatty this morning working on their work, but they both finished in plenty of time today. After lunch, Whitman and I had a few things to do. Then the rest of the afternoon I stayed pretty busy-I made potato soup, I made manicotti for my class meeting tonight, I cleaned the camper, and I put up one Christmas tree.
• I left a little bit before the girls, and I made it home a bit before they did too. Now, I'm on the couch and plan to read a little bit tonight. I tried to read last night, but I kept falling asleep.

November 2, 2026

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• The first order of business for me was taking Robby to the bank. We both let out a sigh of relief when we saw the car pull up at the bank. I dropped Robby off and then hurried home to watch him on life 360. Once I saw that Robby was moving again, I knew that everything went well. 
• We did school until Robby came home, and then we all went out to look at the car some more. The girls made Graham a video, and I'm pretty sure that he has been anxious all day waiting on us to arrive.
• Since I was gone in the morning, our whole school day happened out of order, but honestly, it all went incredibly smoothly. It didn't hurt that Campbell's math was really quick today too. After lunch, Whitman and I started some of Christmas reading which I'm so excited about.
• Campbell worked this afternoon and even worked the entire time which is rare these days. She also went to a friend's house tonight while Keaton and Whitman stayed at home. 
• I was able to walk some this afternoon, but when I finished it was time to get ready because Robby and I were heading to Arkadelphia. Our first stop was Buccees just to walk around. We have been before, but we have never just walked around and looked at all of the things-tonight we did, and I loved it. You could probably do all of your Christmas shopping there.
• The next stop was a gas station on the way for a shop and even supper. Then it was on to Arkadelphia. Anderson was the first one to arrive to see the car and to pick up his drinks. Graham showed up next, and he was anxious to head to Walmart with his buddies tonight in his new ride. We didn't know this when we bought it, but his car is the same kind as his girlfriend's car.
• Graham joined us at Reagan's gospel choir concert. It was a lot of fun! It was indeed gospel music, and don't be surprised, but Reagan was on the back row, and we could see her very little. We at least were able to see her more than we did at Tiger Tunes. We certainly enjoyed the concert and plan to attend the next one too....if we can get Reagan to tell us when it is.

November 1, 2026: The Month (October) of Camping Trip 4

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I went to sleep before midnight last night and slept until 6 which was really 7 because of time change. Needless to say, I slept great last night. We woke up, and Robby quickly went outside to start cleaning up things. I took the dogs potty and then joined him. 

Cleaning didn't take too incredibly long since most things were wet, and we just put them in the van. We had breakfast with everyone, and pretty soon afterwards, Whitman and I headed home. He helped me empty the white van and set everything out on the driveway.

We had just about finished with the van when Robby came home. I started on the camper and the inside of the house for a few minutes before we met the girls at Grannymom's house for our Sunday lunch. Grannymom had chili and apple dumplings.

Robby and I came home and worked for a few more minutes before leaving again. We went to go look at a car for Graham. We were pleased with it, so Robby put a down payment on it. Tomorrow we will meet at the bank and hopefully get Graham's car. 

Back at home, we went back to work on the camper and the house. We worked until it my timer went off for me to take a shower. Then Robby and I headed to church for Sunday night service. I had soup in the crock pot which was devoured, and then I threw some cookies in the oven for our dessert.

Campbell and Keaton had been house sitting all weekend so when they came home they were pretty tired this afternoon. Campbell did manage to finish most of her school from last week which she had waited until the last minute to do!

Anderson did some deer hunting things this afternoon-he even wore the official clothes-orange hat, boots, and camo overalls. Graham also had a big day-he went to midget wrestling. I'm not really sure what Reagan did today, but it wasn't deer hunting or midget wrestling.

October 31, 2026: The Month of Camping Trip 4

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Last night when we went to bed, I decided not to take a shower. I had only laid in the bed for a few minutes when I started itching. By the time that I got into the shower, I could see tiny bumps all around my underwear lines. I took me shower while pretty much having a panic attack about having chiggers again. (I had them twice this summer and was miserable.)

However, after chugging some benedryl and laying back in bed, I realized that it was not chiggers but hives. I am probably the only person ever to be relieved to just have hives! I was so thankful that it was not chiggers. I have had this happen before with hives, itchy ears, but this time I had a bit of a wheeze too. It wasn't bad, and in a bit the medicine had kicked in and all was well.

After all of that drama I did sleep incredibly well. We woke up to breakfast being cooked by Tony. Then Robby and I made our white bean chicken tortilla soup for supper tonight. It was really good which is a good thing because we have quite a few leftovers. 

Once the soup was made, Robby and I took the dogs on a walk. We didn't walk all of the loops today, but let me tell you, this campground was pretty festive. It was fun even though most of the day it we battled a little bit of the rain. It was mostly misty this afternoon and then cleared beautifully for the first 30 minutes of trick or treating....and then it rained and rained and rained.

We walked with Whitman to some of the campsites, but once it started raining, we hurried on back to the camper. He still managed to get some candy and has been enjoying it all night. The rest of the evening was spent under the tents-passing out candy, watching football, playing mahjong, or eating. It was a fun evening-though the rain does make quite a bit more work tomorrow. 

October 30, 2026: The Month of Camping Trip 4

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Robby and I slept pretty good last night even with Marley on our bed. We were able to sleep in some which was nice. (Hopefully, we will sleep in some tomorrow because I have already declined an early morning Pinnacle Mountain hike.)

Robby and I did walk the dogs about 2 miles this morning. Marley still walked really well with her new leash, but she can be a bit wild occasionally. If she gets scared of something, which happens constantly, she gets crazy darting around. Robby did talk about how she used to be terrified of the car, but now she does great, so maybe there is hope still for her.

After our walk, we came back tot he camper, and since then we have pretty much played Mahjong all day long. Yesterday, we had just one table happening, but today we had two tables pretty much most of the day. Kids played, men played, new players, old players. We gave lessons; we have snacks; we did everything but give out prizes-and that we will do next time. 

Robby ran to Tacos for Life and brought back Whitman and me some lunch. I ate while we played, and seriously, other than a few walks all we did today was play Mahjong. Shannon made supper tonight which we ate before taking a walk with 4 dogs and quite a few people. Then it was back to sitting outside playing Mahjong.

Keaton had two parties tonight to go to which Campbell helped get her to. Campbell went to a party herself plus they are house sitting. Graham didn't have any classes today so he came down and hung out with Brooklyn. Reagan and Anderson had the Eta formal so they both got all dressed up tonight. And Whitman is living his best life in the camper!

October 29, 2026: The Month of Camping Trip 4

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Whitman and I started on our school reading this morning, but I had to stop twice-once to make sure that Campbell and Keaton took a casserole with them to work to hand off to someone and once to turn my mixer off because it was mixing up some bread. Usually, it is Marley causing me to stop reading, but today it was everything else. He doesn't mind when I leave though because that gives him the chance to play on his phone. 

Whitman then started on his school work while I made corn muffins and finished my bread. I wanted to make scones, but gracious I didn't have time to cook all day. I just feel extremely scattered cooking in the kitchen so I feel like everything takes me longer lately. I think that I have always been a bit distracted, and I'm just now realizing it. 

As soon as I finished with everything I did take a walk. I'm listening to a super long audio book so I walked longer so I could listen more. I have been listening for two days and have listened to around 7 hours, but I have 20 plus to go! This weekend it is my goal to finish the book that I'm reading and focus on the audio book next week at home when I can walk more. (I walk a good bit while camping, but I'm usually with Robby or someone else so we talk.)

I wanted to leave at 2, but it was closer to 3 when we finally left for the campground. Whitman and I stopped at Pinnacle Mountain to take a picture. Then we went the back way towards the campground-except the road said "road closed to thru traffic." Robby had talked about a road closure, so I turned around and went forever back the other way to go in the main entrance.

Of course, when I got close there, there was another sign that said road closed. This time I went around it, and goodness that road was really closed. There were working on the railroad tracks, and I could see it was indeed closed. So I turned around and went back to where I turned around the first time to started over. Whitman didn't care that we were driving all over creation nor did I so we just enjoyed our extra car time!

We finally made it to the campground, and I joined Robby outside. We sat outside as everyone started showing up. Soon the Powells, Stattons, and Kamps were all here. Shannon arrived to the camper just as we had all headed back to our camper to play mahjong. We didn't start that until after 9, and it was around midnight when we came in tonight!

October 28, 2026: The Month of Camping Trip 4

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• I woke up early this morning, but I stayed in the bed as long as I could. I was actually even awake before the sun came up, and honestly, I did not like it! I always think that I would like to be a morning person, but really, I don't want to be a morning person-I want to be a napper!
• As I was coming in the kitchen this morning, Campbell scared me because she was already standing in the kitchen. I knew that she was going to go and babysit, but I had forgotten. She was up and getting ready to go. She was gone all morning and came in just for about 10 minutes before leaving for work this afternoon. Then she was home for a bit after work before leaving to go to church. All of that is great; however, she has school to do from today plus a test to take tonight. 
• Keaton and Whitman worked on their school work this morning. It was pretty quiet this morning while they were working so I was able to load a few things in the camper. We are ready to go for Halloween (Robby is actually there now), but it is kind of sad since it looks like it is going to be pretty rainy!
• At lunch, I helped Robby make cookies, and then I worked with Whitman. Next, I walked a little bit, and when I came in Robby and the dogs left to head to Maumelle. Whitman and I will join him tomorrow. 
• I didn't have long at home though because I soon left with Whitman and Keaton. We went to Dollar Tree-there were a few Christmas stocking things I wanted from there which were not there. Plus we wanted to go something for Campbell's Mother's Day Out class for their fall party tomorrow. There was no Halloween at Dollar Tree. Thankfully, we did find some playdoh at Walmart nearby.
• Then it was on to Harvest Fest at Raymar. Whitman and I worked a plink booth for the first hour, and then I walked around and was able to help a bit. Then I just started visiting some until the they shut the party down. I think that there were a lot of people there, and things seemed to go really smoothly. Plus after it cooled off, the weather was perfect.
• I had a decent list of things to do when I got home tonight, but I have marked most of those off already.....all except for my hot chocolate and my book. 

October 27, 2026

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• I was awake for a good long time last night-long enough that I just debated getting out of bed for a bit. However, I was then worried that by the time I went to bed it would be too late to sleep at all. I finally was able to go to sleep after I completely changed Whitman's curriculum for high school...I know, I have plenty of time to figure all of that out. 
• Even though I was awake late last night, I still did jump out of bed when my alarm clock went off because Graham had asked me to help with his schedule. I was able to do my part and send it to him before starting my chores. (Later today, he did call, and we worked through making his schedule, but he didn't have time to turn it all in because he was headed to a football game.)
• Whitman and I did our morning reading this morning. Then I started working with Keaton and Campbell. Some days I don't feel like I do a whole lot of school, and other days I feel like I'm doing just as much school as when everyone was little. Today was one of those days-it all just took a bit of time.
• Campbell's ACT scores came back in today. Now, she isn't done taking the test by any means, but she has made enough to take Freshman Comp so she will take 3 college classes next semester. That will be a lot, but I think that will make her senior year a bit easier.
• Keaton and Campbell left around 1:30 to go and pick up their babysitting girls from their school. I believe that they took them to the park, to Menchies, and to Target. They are still babysitting now and probably will for another hour or so-the babysitting business is good right now.
• Whitman and I made a candle today and played marbles-we are doing all the pilgrim crafts from our history box. It is kind of fun! (though I'm not too sure he thinks so-I'm enjoying it though.)
• Tonight I went to Mahjong at church. They even had some twists  to the games so that was neat. Our table played 5 games, and yep, I never won once! I was able to play Mahjong and had snacks so it couldn't be any better in my book!

October 26, 2026

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• This was a pretty pleasant Monday school morning. Whitman and I read this morning, and we were able to get a lot done. I'm trying to finish a few books this week so we can start on our Christmas reading. 
• Campbell and Keaton knocked out their school work this morning. Whitman took a wee bit longer, but he had a few breaks on his ipad. 
• For lunch, we finished up all of the leftovers in the house. I had made way too much chicken pasta and way too much potato soup this weekend, but for some reason we have already eaten them all. I really enjoy soup for lunch, so maybe I need to make another pot over the next few days. 
• After lunch, I went on my walk while Whitman finished his school work. The weather was perfect today, and I could have walked and listened to my book a bit longer. I needed to come in and straighten a few things though.
• Whitman and I are continuing to enjoy his history boxes-today we made marbles like they did in Jasmestown. They probably didn't use clay that was shipped to you and then baked it in the oven. I think later this week, a recorder type instrument is in his box...maybe I will just skip that one. Last week we made a corn husk doll, and after making some yarn today with a drip spindle he has now hung the doll up as a voodoo doll. (Hopefully, I'm not the one he is thinking of.)
• Robby and I ran a few errands tonight and brought home some leftovers for the kids. Tony and Shannon brought over some leftovers for Whitman so everyone was happy tonight. 
• It is fairly quite here with half the people back at school, so that makes me sad. However, I'm planning on having some hot chocolate later so that makes me happy though!

October 25, 2026

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• I was up a bit late last night watching my phone to make sure that Graham and Campbell both got to where they were going to spend the night. Of course, I did sleep some while waiting to make sure they arrived to their final destinations because I sure couldn't stay up until 2 last night. 
• This morning I did wake up and make monkey bread. Reagan had people eating last night so I thought briefly that they might spend the night so I was prepared. They didn't, but we still had monkey bread.
• Campbell and Graham both made it to church this morning, and we all filled up a row. Everyone sat with us, and I really wanted to pull out my phone and take a picture of everyone during church, but I know that the kids would frown upon that.
• After church we celebrated Pops' 80th birthday with pizza and cake. I think he liked the Buccee's socks that we gave him, We stayed for a while and visited, but then it was time to go back home.
• At home, the kids started slowly leaving. Graham left first with Brooklyn to eat supper with their family, and then he was riding back to school with Brodie. Reagan was the next one to leave followed by Anderson. They carried so much stuff back to school-snacks, Christmas tree, lights, so, so many things. 
• Anderson pulled out of the driveway, and we left too with Keaton and Whitman for their lifegroups. We picked up Charlotte and Sophia on the way and then dropped everyone off at two different locations. While they were at their groups, Robby and I made a little bit of money before hurrying back for their pickups. 
• Now, we are gobbling up some potato soup for our supper. I tried to save room for hot chocolate too!

October 24, 2026

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• As soon as I put the laundry in the dryer last night, I knew that I would need to do another load this morning to keep up. Plus there were a few new things that I wanted to wash separately, so a bit of my morning was filled with laundry. 
• I also made some type of puff pastry toaster strudel today for whoever wanted them. Anderson wasn't too pleased with them, but Reagan had 4 so at least I had one person that liked them. Robby and I left as soon as I was done to run some errands. 
• We were not the first ones to leave-Campbell left super early to go to a friend's house to get ready for homecoming tonight. Reagan and Keaton left fairly soon after we did; their goal was to find Reagan a dress, and they succeeded in that. 
• When Robby and I came home, I threw two recipes of potato soup into the crock pot (no, we didn't eat all of it, but we will eat some over the next few days.) Then it was time for me to tie the ribbon on Graham's bouquet for Brooklyn. My only part in the bouquets was funding them, but Campbell just went right to it yesterday and made the most beautiful bouquets. 
• Tying Graham's tie was a struggle at prom, and it was today too. He is taller than Robby so that throws Robby off, and he makes it too short or too long. They eventually got it, but Graham was running late so while they were working I was helping load the car for him. 
• He started off in Bryant, and then went downtown to take pictures, and then to Benton to eat, and then back to Bryant for the homecoming. He made it clear that they were not the planners who organized tonight. Campbell's group had a little less driving-her group started in Bryant, went downtown for pictures, then Little Rock for supper, and then to Bryant for homecoming. 
• Keaton and I went to take pictures of Campbell's group-well, Keaton went to take pictures of Campbell's group. I just drove her there. Keaton took quite a few pictures and added them to the photocircle which has over 400 pictures right now. Brandy sent me pictures of Graham so I have plenty of them too. 
• Keaton and I had to hurry home though because I needed to get the rest of supper ready for Reagan's two friends who came over tonight. We just had potato soup, grilled cheese, and chocolate chip cookies (which were made from frozen) so I didn't have to do too much prep. 
• Campbell and Graham are just now finishing eating and then heading to their homecoming. They both have afterparties and are then spending the night with friends. The rest of us though are in for the night!

October 23, 2026

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• Campbell left before anyone woke up this morning-she had to babysit at 8 in Benton so she left at 7:30. She stayed there all morning and came in for a few minutes before work. After work she was here long enough to make her bouquet and Brooklyn's bouquet for tomorrow before she left again to pick up Adi. First though, she dropped off Keaton who is babysitting, and now after going to a football game and Sonic she is hanging out at a friend's house until we need her pick up Keaton. 
• I was awake next and did some things around the house before I left to get my hair cut. It didn't take me too long, but I could have driven around some more because the book I'm listening too currently is cute. (Well, cute may not be the right term to describe a murder book, but I do like the book and could have listened longer.)
• When I came home, the three big kids were awake, and we left soon afterwards. Our first stop was voting-we voted at the Children's Library. When Anderson came through they asked him if it was his first time to vote, but no one asked Graham. Anderson got claps and cheese twice voting, but Graham who was also a first time voter didn't get any (he didn't care.)
• Our next stop was flu shots for all of us at Sams. We also got free fountain drinks there, pizza samples, and sushi for Reagan's lunch. The next stop was ChickFilA for Graham's lunch and a milkshake for Robby and me. Finally, we stopped at Five Guys for Anderson's post flu shot reward.
• Back at the house, Graham left first to go and carve pumpkins at Brooklyn's house. Campbell came in for a few minutes when she finished work, and pretty much after she left the rest of us left (Reagan, Anderson, Whitman, Robby, and I). We picked up Tony and Brett and headed to Conway.
• There we met Layne, Ben, and Shannon to eat Mexican before playing Cornhole Golf at Beaver Fork Lake. It was a mix between mini golf and corn hole. It was really neat and most of us said that we enjoyed it more than putt putt. We did all 18 holes, and with our big group it did take a while. Of course, our scores were a little lower because of our sore arms from our flu shots! (That really didn't affect the scores much at all.)
• Robby made brownies when we made it home so that is our next fall break activity here. 

October 22, 2026

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• So, I played a few rounds of mahjong on my computer last night, and gracious, that was all that I could think about last night. When I was dreaming, it was about silly tiles. It wasn't the most restful night, but don't tell anyone, but I'm going to play a few rounds on my computer tonight too-surely, it was just a fluke.
• I woke up before I even had gotten Whitman up for school, the girls were leaving for Mother's Day Out. I think that they stopped to get themselves a drink on their way to work. Back at home, Whitman and I read-my favorite part of the day, and then he started on his school work.
• I did some things around the house, and then I took myself a walk this morning. While I was out, Graham left to go and eat lunch with some friends. He even managed to earn a hundred dollars by moving boxes for one of his friend's friends. 
• Robby and I left to go to some Krogers, and then we met the girls at Trader Joes. We bought flowers for Campbell and Brooklyn's homecoming flowers. I think that we bought way too many flowers, but knowing that I will not have to go back to Trader Joes is worth something for sure. 
• When we came home, I started on our supper. I made chicken alfredo, and for some reason I made enough for us and 20 other people. We have so many leftovers, but hopefully people will eat some of them. If not, that is supper for the next few days and lunch and breakfast.
• Brooklyn came over for supper, and I also made some cinnamon roll focaccia bread. Keaton is at a football game tonight so Campbell did take her, but I guess that means that I will have to pick her up-I think I will need a nap before then!

October 21, 2026

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• Graham came in a little bit before midnight last night. Brooklyn dropped him off so she came in and visited for a bit. We continued visiting after she headed back home. I guess that it was midnight when he said that he was hungry. When your one of your babies has been gone for months and comes home hungry, you make him a grilled cheese sandwich even if it is at 12:30. 
• The girls and even Whitman came down to the kitchen to catch up for a bit. It was nice. When we finally did get to bed, it was pretty late. This morning started as usual, and I seemed to be doing school most of the morning long. Sometimes I get a break where I can do a few things around the house, and some days I'm busy all morning long with school, and this was one of those days.
• After lunch I did take a walk. I made it home just in time to take a shower before Reagan got home. Of course, Graham was in my shower so I quickly took one upstairs. When she came home, we visited for a little bit, but she soon migrated upstairs. That is pretty much where she has been since coming home. 
• Graham asked to go to Costco this afternoon and even put the hashtag #fallbreak in his text, so of course I couldn't pass that up. Keaton joined us too, and after eating every sample in the place and spending 40 dollars we came home (fruit snacks and joggers for Graham, bread for the house, and chicken bakes, cookies, churros, or ice cream for the kids)
• We hurried home, and Graham and Robby went to look at cars. They found one, but the radio and back up camera didn't work. Hopefully, they will be able to look a bit more this weekend because I know that Graham is getting ready for a car. 
• Before I left this afternoon, I waited on Anderson to come in. I was only able to see him for a little bit, and then Keaton and I left for Nonna and Pops' house. We visited with the birthday boy, Pops, for a bit and even delivered some of Campbell's cupcakes from yesterday. 
• Then it was on to church for Keaton and me with a stop at the outlets for her to pick up an order. Whitman and Campbell were not far behind. She worked this afternoon, but the photography business is fairly slow right now, so she came home earlier than usual.
• After church, Campbell, Keaton, and Whitman all went to ChickFilA and so did Robby. We were doing some trip planning with Lynne and some chatting. Then we got gas for Reagan and Anderson's cars before heading home. 
• Of course, Campbell and I had a few math problems to do tonight to finish what we didn't finish today. That didn't take too long, and all the college kids were upstairs so it was quiet downstairs when I finally came into my bedroom to work on the blog. 

October 20, 2026

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• I had a doctor's appointment for my shoulder this morning. It had been bothering me for months so even though I was pretty sure it was frozen shoulder, I was glad to go to the doctor and hear that it was indeed frozen shoulder. 
• He gave me a steroid shot; Robby had one for his frozen shoulder and acted like it made a huge difference. When the doctor was giving it to me, he said that I would feel some relief this afternoon-LIES, ALL LIES!
• It felt strange after the shot and by the time that I drove home from my morning out, I was having to use my left hand to put my right hand up on the gear shift to put the car in park or drive. It was getting uncomfortable when I did math with Campbell, but by the time that I was trying to work with Whitman; it was kidney stone pain. 
• I was getting a bit panicky about how I was going to make it through the rest of the day. I asked ChatGPT about it, and they suggested calling the doctor back. I opted to not do that and tried to take a nap. I had gone from being able to manage well with my arm's limited range of motion to not being able to move my arm an inch or two either way. 
• I wasn't able to go to sleep, but I just decided that I was going to stay busy. By the time that Robby made it home, my arm was feeling some better-it is not nearly as good as when I went this morning, but it is better than this afternoon. So currently, I'm not sold on a steroid shot. 
• After I left the doctor's office, I went to see Pops who was waiting on Jason to finish his doctor's appointment. I then ran to Walmart to pick up a few things (October care packages for my school people) and then hurried back to meet Pops.
• We visited for a while longer, and then he headed to meet Nonna for his doctor's appointment while I took Jason home from his doctor's appointment. I then went home and started on school with the kids-I just checked what had to be checked, except when it got to Whitman's math when my should was hurting like crazy. I just told him that he had done enough, and we were skipping the rest of it. He didn't protest at all, and since I know that he can do it I won't lose any sleep over it.
• When the girls finished school work, they went to but some fingernail polish for Campbell's homecoming. I do believe that she spent more on polish today than Nonna, Grannymom, and I have ever spent on nail polish in our entire lives combined. 
• Laynie came over for a bit, and when she left I made grilled cheese for everyone. Well, I made Campbell a grilled cheese then and a grilled cheese later actually. She was showing me her nails while holding her sandwich, and Marley could take no more of it-she snuck herself a good bite of Campbell's sandwich. Campbell was furious, but it only took a few minutes to make her another one.
• Tonight the big activity is cleaning the kids' bathroom-hopefully, this project takes less than the 3-4 hours that last night's cleaning of the girls' room took. We are expecting 30-60 minutes. Wish us luck!

October 19, 2026

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• I barely remembered to set my alarm last night, and even with it going off on time, I still waited as long as I could to get out of the bed. I didn't have to empty the dishwasher this morning so that is why I felt I had 30 extra minutes to stay in the bed-though emptying the dishwasher surely doesn't take 30 minutes even when it is Thanksgiving full.
• We soon started on our school work. Campbell worked for a few minutes before she left to eat breakfast with the friend. After that she went to Walmart, and did buy a few things that I needed. She had work this afternoon, so thankfully she doesn't have work tomorrow so she can catch up on some school work.
• Keaton made it through her school work though Whitman took a little bit longer. He did still pause in the middle to help me put a lamp together. He finished one book today, so I gave him a choice about which one to read next. He was trying his best not to hurt my feelings when he said neither of them. I wasn't too upset that he nixed my choices because I then showed him a shelf full of other choices.
• The afternoon seemed to fly by mainly because I spent a good deal of time walking. I just walked 3 miles, but I'm not a fast walker-plus I was trying to finish my audio book so I might have even been walking slower than usual.
• The entire evening was spent in the girls' room. It is cleaner than it ever has been before. We basically acted like we were moving and got most everything out and then reorganized it. It took absolutely forever, and then when we finished Robby and I started on the boys room-he vacuumed while I changed all of the sheets. 
• It was a long night, but now we are on the couch...and I'm about to fall asleep!

October 18, 2026: The Month of Camping-Trip 3

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Last night when we went to bed, both dogs were in the bed, and there were no room for us at all. Seriously, my legs were hanging off the edge. It came down to a dog or two were leaving the bed or I was leaving the bed. Robby tried to get Bentley to leave, but she growled at him because she had no intentions of sleeping in the front of the camper all by herself. Finally, he was able to get her to leave, and we were able to stretch out just a bit.

We did sleep well but I was up a few times to go to the bathroom. I even text Anderson some in the middle of the night. When we woke up, it was pretty sad because we had to go ahead and get up to get ready to go home. l

Robby started working on everything outside the camper while I worked on things inside. We then took the dogs on a short walk right before I left. I had to stop at two Krogers on the way home plus I even stopped at Buccees. This all put me home about 30 minutes later than Robby.

When I drove up, Robby was already working hard unloading the camper while Campbell and Keaton were washing the white car. They were really working at it, so I whispered to them the obvious question, "are y'all in trouble?" They were not in the trouble but had asked to wash the car.

I quickly unloaded the van, and then I turned around the leave again. I picked up Sara and Amber, and we went to Tales of the Crypt at Mt. Holly Cemetery. Students from Parkview dressed up and told about the lives of some of the people at the cemetery-it was really well done, and we all enjoyed it. We did probably enjoy all of the visiting while in the line more though.

Once I came home, I worked on picking up the house. I had left the kitchen a mess so I put everything away and did my best to get ready for tomorrow. I did crash about 40 minutes before it was time to go to the Wilson's house and even squeezed in a little nap. 

Tony had made supper tonight so we enjoyed eating and visiting. We watched some football as we talked. We did go home a bit earlier than usual and caught up with the girls once we were home. Now, the living room is quiet, and I think that we are headed towards the bed.....but no dogs in my bed tonight.

October 17, 2026: The Month of Camping-Trip 3

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I went to sleep last night at 10:30-what in the world? That is a few hours earlier than usual for me, and it was absolutely wonderful. I might even go to sleep that early tonight too. Of course, after all of that sleep you would have thought that I woke up early, but I did not!

We snoozed this morning until we had to hurry to get around. Robby had EEE Dad's day so I drove him to OBU and then came back to the campground. He found Reagan, and they ate tacos and participated in a corn hole tournament. There were quite a few people there, but I think that it was a little more relaxed than mom's day so they had fun.

I met them back at Reagan's dorm. Whitman opted to skip the ballgame today. Robby and I used Pops' tickets and found our way to their seats. We also used their parking pass, and I think that we got the last spot in the special parking lot-we were there a little bit late. 

Reagan was skipping the game, Graham was working the jumpys, and Anderson was cheering with his friends. It took us a while to find Anderson, and when Graham was finished he did come and talk to us. After we were sitting down, we did notice that Graham's girlfriend was on the aisle across from us-so when Graham came up to see us, he had a choice to make: mother or girlfriend. He made the right one-me! 

The good boy did visit with us for a few minutes, and then he quickly found Brooklyn and went to eat with her. Meanwhile, Anderson never even made it up to see us. I'm only kidding though because those boys are having the time of their lives....as I'm afraid their midterm grades will reflect!

Robby and I stayed for a few minutes of the third quarter before leaving the game. We then walked the Desoto Bluff Trail-this is where Pops talked about boys bringing girls to see the submarine races when he was in college at Ouachita. (Google told me that is a mid twentieth century term for making out.)

The trail was just a quarter of a mile to the end. It overlooked the river-possibly the caddo river, but there was a really nice pavilion at the end of the trail. It was really a neat spot-Anderson new about it, but I'm not sure if Reagan or Graham have walked it.

Once we were back at the camper, we walked the dogs and then played a few more rounds of Mahjong. Robby won one, and I won one. I think that we almost talked Whitman in to learning but maybe another day.

We then walked the dogs a bit more before coming in and making supper (frozen french bread pizzas) and watching the hogs. Whitman and I made corn husks dolls since that was a project from his history box. Now, the ice cream has been pulled out of the fridge!

October 16, 2026: The Month of Camping-Trip 3

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I wasn't sure how well we would sleep last night because we started out the night with Marley and Bentley in our bed. It was a bit crowded, and I think that we were all going to wait it out to see who left first. Robby and I both thought that we would be the ones to cave and leave first, but eventually one of the dogs did.

I actually can't tell you which one of them left because when it is as dark as it is in the camper, you can't see much at all. I wasn't able to tell which dog was still in the bed with us, but I did know that it was a big one which doesn't narrow things down much at all.

We stayed in bed as long as we could this morning, and the dogs were not even that ready to go out when we did take them for a walk. We ate our breakfast and then made a walk around the loop. We have bought Marley a new harness so she will not pulls, and it is magical. We would pay double or triple what we paid for it-it is a bit large so it works best when she has on her regular harness too which kind of makes her look special with two harnesses on and a collar.

The first order of business this morning was teaching Robby how to play Mahjong. The weather was nice, but a bit windy, so we sat outside. He played two games and won one of them. I just barely beat him the second time. When we finished, we text Anderson, and he came to the campground for a while.

We sat inside and visited for a few hours. We even did a little bit of work on his degree plan. When he did leave, we had to load his car down with things for Reagan and Graham. Robby and I then ran around town to pick up a Sonic burger for Whitman and a drink for us. 

When we came back, Robby and I ate our butter chicken while watching tv. Then I did some sewing work, and now we are getting ready to get in the bed-I have to get my spot before a dog does.

October 15, 2026: The Month of Camping-Trip 3

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I could hear Keaton and Campbell's alarm going off above my head this morning as I was moving around in the kitchen. I had been up for a little bit, but I still moved pretty slowly. I did realize that not having the dogs at home in the mornings saves me at least 20 minutes. I do miss them when they are gone....a tiny little bit.

Keaton and Campbell left for work, and then Whitman and I started on school. We did our morning reading, and then he started on his work. While he was working, I made some muffins for Anderson. He had text yesterday mentioning how much everyone enjoyed my pumpkin muffins if I wanted to bring some more down this time. Of course, I made that baby some muffins.

Whitman finished school (most of it) around 1 so we started moving pretty quickly and headed towards Degray. Campbell and Keaton finished MDO early so they headed to buy flowers. It was senior night so Campbell made a beautiful bouquet for Graham to give to Brooklyn. 

Anderson was even in Little Rock for a little bit tonight. I do find it funny that when we are in Arkadelphia, most of my kids manage to make their way to Little Rock. I'm only kidding since we will see both of them at least once this weekend plus fall break is next weekend, and I think that everyone is coming home except for Reagan.

This evening, I read some, did my sticker book, and even sewed a little bit on a lamp while listening to a book. There is nothing better than camper living. Whitman and I tried to make a German star, but that project failed. Robby and I took a few walks as well plus we have already had our ice cream for the night.

October 14, 2026: The Month of Camping-Trip 3

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• I was the first one awake this morning. I immediately let the dogs potty because I was just sure that it was going to start raining any second. However, it never rained here until much later in the afternoon. When it did rain, it was for just a little bit. 
• Whitman and I started on his school work. Now, don't tell him, but I just keep ordering school work for him. There are so many neat options, and bless him-he will be doing school all summer. I will have to control myself and stop ordering things.
• Keaton and Campbell were both home this morning too which was a bit different since they have been gone more lately during the school day than they have been here. I think that because they were both here, Marley was a little bit wild. She spent a good deal of time this morning in her kennel. She doesn't mind, and it is difficult to do school when someone is biting your arm.
• Soon it was lunch time, and Robby and the puppies left for Degray. I know that he has taken them on a long walk trying out the double leash, so I'm sure that Marley is pretty calm now since she is exhausted.
• Campbell had a midterm this afternoon, and while she took her test I did a little bit of cooking. And all too soon it was time for church tonight. I ran to Amber's to drop off some food before going to church. I arrived early enough that I could sit in the car for a while before going in, and it was super nice.
• After church the girls went to ChickFilA while Whitman and I just picked up our free sandwiches. I have everyone do some chores tonight, and Whitman even did a science experiment. Now, I think that I'm heading toward the bed!

October 13, 2026

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• Campbell had work this morning so she left a few minutes after the rest of us started school. Whitman and I read this morning-today in forensics we are reading about handwriting so we read and compared handwriting samples from JonBenet Ramsey's ransom note. School can be interesting on some days.
• Whitman, though, must not have thought that the rest of school was interesting because he moved pretty slowly. He did get everything finished eventually today. Keaton did quite a bit today because she had school work from today and yesterday.
• Campbell did her work when she came home today. Plus she took a few sections of the act. That girls can do awesome on her practice tests, but she still doesn't know the tests out of the park yet. I keep telling her that the goal is to just do a bit better this time than last.
• Campbell and Keaton ran some errands this afternoon. Keaton had a long list of birthday presents to buy for her upcoming parties, so Campbell quickly offered to drive her. This was good for me because I was able to do a few things around the house while they were gone. Plus Whitman and I finished a game that had taken us forever-and the game was so hard that we really didn't even enjoy it anymore.
• I had a shower this evening, and then I headed to Candice's house. Everyone brought appetizers, and it was nice to hang out and chat all evening long. I was still chatting when I came home tonight because I was in the living room talking away for another hour before I headed towards bed. 

October 12, 2026

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• Spending a weekend in the camper sure is nice, and even though I love our house and our routine, I think that I would rather be camping. The plan this morning was for Campbell to take Keaton to her babysitting job, and then Campbell would go to her babysitting job. However, when I was checking to see if they were awake, Campbell's job got pushed back by 30 minutes, so I took Keaton.
• That was fine though because it did get me out of the bed. I was back in plenty of time to do most of my early morning list. Then I started school with Whitman. He probably doesn't like days when his sisters are gone because it is quiet and all my focus is on him. 
• He finished his school at a decent time this afternoon, and I had done most of my things by the time the girls started arriving home. I ran to Nonna and Pops' house to pick up shoes, and they told me about their new fridge. When I came home, Robby left to pick up Keaton while I helped Campbell with the last of her school. 
• Afterwards, It was nearly 5 so some of us snacked on leftovers that Robby brought home. Then I ended up working on a craft project-the craft project was supposed to be for Campbell, but she had no interest while I did. I might just do all of her other un-done craft projects as well. 
• Now, I'm on the couch with the dogs and Robby. I'm thinking of getting some hot chocolate, but I'm not sure if that will make me too hot-maybe if I lose my blanket and jacket it won't.

October 11, 2026-The Month of Camping: trip 2

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This morning started our early as I had to wake up Campbell, Keaton, and Whitman. They all were going to church this morning so they had to leave pretty early to get there-especially since Campbell and Keaton were greeting at the doors.

I did go back to sleep as soon as they left. I haven't been sleeping just great because of my shoulder, but I did snooze wonderfully this morning. When I did get up, Robby was already awake, and soon we were starting to work.

He dealt with the dogs, and while he did that, I started working in the camper. It is kind of funny how this trip was shorter but because the kids were with us, we have to do a bit more laundry. I was able to sort and gather some things before we did leave the campground.

I did join Robby outside, and we started working on outside things. Putting things up at the beginning of the trip is much more fun that taking things down at the end of the trip. Robby is leaving on Wednesday to go camping again, and I'm joining him Thursday so it won't be too long until we get to camp again.

We left a few minutes before the Wilsons, and we just seemed to zoom on home. I had my airpods up front with me so I could listen to my book, but I never got around to it. When we made it home, Robby and I started working on unloading the camper.

Some days I feel like it takes a while to unload the camper, and others days it doesn't take long at all. I would bring a load in the house and then work on a few things in the house before going back out to get my next load.

Soon the kids came home from church. They all had a few things to say about church today, but they also told us about packing the shoeboxes this afternoon. Robby and I had just finished cleaning the camper and were steadily working through the laundry, and I even squeezed in a short nap.

Keaton and Whitman's life groups were cancelled tonight, but Keaton ended up going to Sophia's soccer game. Campbell went to her life group tonight while Robby and I went to a Sunday school fellowship. Now, we are all back home getting ready for tomorrow. 

October 10, 2026-The Month of Camping: trip 2

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After waking up this morning, Robby and I walked the dogs for a little bit. Our goal was to try to get them pretty tired because once again we did not leave Marley in her kennel. She still stays in her kennel at home when we leave, but we are gradually trying to leave her out more in the camper. 

Last night she did fine during Tiger Tunes, but that was at night when she was tired. Today, we knew we had to keep her up because the ball game would be a long while to be free range in the camper. The game was pretty nice-the weather was perfect, and we stayed in the shade the entire time....well, the entire time that we were there. The sun was coming at half time, and that is when we left.

We were able to see Anderson and Graham at the ballgame. Anderson came up and talked to us for a bit. He could only stay until half time because he had to get ready for the after Tiger Tunes party tonight. We also saw Graham because he was running a camera so we were able to watch him from a distance. Reagan had been at the tailgate since early in the morning, so she skipped out of the ballgame.

We headed back to the camper, and Lynne came over so Robby could book some flights for her family. We visited for a while before she had to go back to campus. By this time that Razorbacks were on the tv, so we watched some of that. I did take myself a little nap during half time and maybe a bit longer too.

Tony made hamburgers for supper, but Campbell missed supper because she found a ticket to Tiger Tunes and went to the first show tonight. After we ate, we settled around the tv and watched the 8:30 tunes show. We were hoping that the Etas would win because we really thought they were the best when we saw them in person. However, the EEEs looked really great on the tv, and they won the whole thing tonight with the Eta's coming in second. Graham's group got 5th place which isn't too bad at all plus his group won some other award. 

I know that they all had a great time doing tunes, but I also know that they are all exhausted. Hopefully this next week they can catch up on their sleep and possibly catch up on their grades a little bit too!

October 9, 2026-The Month of Camping: trip 2

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This was a very fun day. We started the morning with breakfast. Robby made chocolate chip pancakes and egg in the holes while Tony had biscuits, bacon, sausage, and hashbrowns. It was all delicious, and we ate enough to cause us to not need lunch.

We walked the dogs for a little bit, and then we left for Ouachita. We found a parking spot, and then we found all of the kids. It took us a bit to find Graham, but it was nice to see everyone. We visited for a while, took some pictures, and stopped at the book store. 

Our next stop was Sonic for drinks for everyone. When we got back to the camper, we sat outside and started to play Mahjong. We played Mahjong and ate snacks most of the afternoon long. It was pretty perfect.

We all had to stop to get ready for this evening. Robby had already taken Keaton to the Lodge to meet Grannymom. Keaton is spending the night with Grannymom, and Nonna, Pops, and Jason are also all in the Lodge tonight.

Soon they all arrived back at the camper for our supper. Robby and I had chicken and beef tacos for supper. We, of course, had way too much but here's a note to next year's Robby and Tara (heat the meats up in a crock pot and not the griddle-it will be much easier.)

After eating, we cleaned up, changed clothes, and headed to Tiger Tunes. Anderson's group went first, and Reagan is also a sweatheart for his group so she was in that performance as well. (Actually, the Ettas weren't really first, but they were the first ones that mattered for us.) They were pinatas and did spectacular. It was a cute show, and maybe I'm bias, but I think they might just win. 

And let's talk about my children tonight-we aren't really sing, dance, wave your arm around type of people. However, Anderson was having the time of his life singing and dancing on the stage tonight. Reagan has swinging a bat at the pinatas while she was grinning ear to ear. And Graham, later in the evening, was dancing and even had a speaking part. Watching them have the best time was what made Tiger Tunes so fun for us.

Next up was Reagan's show. They were chickens, and though I'm not really clear about what their show story was, their costumes and choreography was really good. Graham was in campus ministries, and their show was Exodus so they were Israelites. It was neat, and even though they haven't won any awards, I think that their show was one of the better ones (because there were a few that were not that great at all-I tell the girls often "there are things that we speak, and things that we speak"-maybe I should take that advice and speak less.)

Anderson's group won 3 awards tonight while Reagan's group won 2 so they both have good chances of winning. When Tunes was over, we found everyone in front of Cone Bottoms and took quite a few pictures. It was a pleasant evening and was fun to see the kids with their friends.

It was after 11 when we made it back to the camper. We took the dogs on a little walk, and now we are getting ready for bed. Tomorrow will be a little slower....maybe?

October 8, 2026-The Month of Camping: trip 2

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This was a normal Thursday morning-the girls went to work, and Whitman and I started on school work. I was telling Robby about all of the forensic science books that Whitman and I are reading in the mornings. I find it all much more interesting than he probably does. 

While the girls worked, Whitman finished school; well, he finished most of school. Robby did some work, some packing, and some errands. I tried to be as motivated around the house as I was last Thursday, but I was not, so the house won't be as perfect as it was when I came home Sunday night. 

Our goal was to leave around 1:30, and I think that we were pretty close. Bentley figured out that something was up, and she wouldn't really let me out of her site. She didn't want to miss her chance to get in the camper. When we did leave, the dogs were perfect-Marley has become a really good traveler. (Now, she still jumps, bites, and chews-but at least while we are driving she just sleeps.)

Of course, Whitman is a much better traveler-he is probably the best of all the kids. He found his spot in the camper when we left, and he was still sitting there when I made him get ready for bed. Now, he had been up to make his supper, but I think that was it. 

Robby and I had supper with the Wilsons at the fish place nearby. It was better than I thought that it was going to be. The hush puppies though were not normal round crunchy hushpuppies. They were good, but they weren't really what we were hoping for-we kind of feel that hush puppies are the best part of eating fish.

We then came back to the campground and walked the dogs before settling in front of Tony's tv outside to watch the Cowboys game. The game was pitiful, but the snacks were great, and we even had a table full of snacks.

We visited until the Tiger Tunes results came in-Reagan's group won 2 categories tonight while Anderson's group won 3. Graham's ground didn't win any tonight or last night, but I'm sure he is still having fun. Layne was there tonight and yelled at him and he said that he heard her!

We got into the camper around 11, and it took a bit to get everyone's beds ready. However, now I'm about to take my shower and head to bed myself.

October 7, 2026

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• We started our morning off with school work. Keaton did have a babysitting gig today but it fell through which meant that she made more time for her school work. Campbell had math work to do along with everything else, but she managed to finish most things.
• Robby spend a good deal of time this morning in the kitchen making cookies for this weekend. I did some packing as well, but gracious I took clothes to the camper without really thinking that I left quite a bit of clothes in there from last time. Currently, I have more clothes in the camper than I do in my closet.
• This afternoon Campbell went to work, but she was able to come home a little bit early. This was a good thing, because tonight at church was dress like your parent night. Campbell pretty much nailed it. She dressed up like Robby, and she even managed to make to the choir to show off her outfit. 
• Keaton and Whitman opted to not dress up. I also opted not to dress up because this was also dress like your kid day at church. I stayed down in the children's department doing my thing. 
• Tonight after church, all of the kids went to ChickFilA, and Robby and I did too. We, mainly Robby, was helping a friend plan a trip while we ate. It was fun to visit for a little bit and talk about travel. When we came home, Campbell and I worked on a little bit of math before calling it a night. 

October 6, 2026

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• I got a text this morning asking if Keaton could come to work at church with Campbell this morning. I wasn't sure if she would want to because she babysat all yesterday and had to do school last night. 
• I asked, and she said yes, so Campbell and Keaton were both gone all morning. (Keaton has just now got herself a babysitting gig for tomorrow late morning and early afternoon so once again she will be scrambling to get her school work done. She does manage though thankfully.)
• Right now, Campbell is being productive as well-she is painting her self portrait for her art class. She has to scramble around to get all of her school work done just like Keaton does. 
• Since Whitman was the only one home working this morning, I went on a walk while he did his school work. I was also able to reload the camper to get things ready for later this week. These camping trips are rolling around pretty quickly (we have one the next two weeks!)
• When the girls did make it home, I helped them finish up their school. Then Whitman and I worked on finishing a puzzle/game. I'm not sure that we are ever going to figure it out. 
• But we have figured out a potato soup recipe. What I love about this new recipe is how easy it it-we even made it tonight to eat even though Robby isn't here this evening. The girls and I are in the living room watching Dancing with the Stars, and I'm contemplating getting hot chocolate!

October 5, 2026-The Month of Camping: trip 1

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Since I came home last night, Robby and the puppies were the only ones camping today. They took the morning easy and after a few walks, started breaking down camp. Robby did some work and stayed almost until check out time.

When he came home, I had gone to pick up Keaton so Robby unpacked most of the camper himself. It wasn't too much because most things are staying put until next weekend is over. 

My morning started early taking Keaton to babysit. It is a pretty good gig, and she enjoys it. Though today, she did call Campbell trying to figure our how to unbuckle the kid outdoor swing. I was afraid for a few minutes that I was going to have to drove over there to unbuckle the kids; however, she figured it out and all was well.

While she was gone, Whitman, Campbell, and I did school. It wasn't too bad for a Monday morning. Campbell had work this afternoon, and I had a doctor's appointment. I am now actually looking for a new doctor! Ha!

After waiting for 40 minutes in the waiting room, I was able to see the nurse practitioner. She is always nice, and I do like her. However, in May she wanted me to send in my blood pressure numbers which I did. They were a bit high, and I neglected to follow up. I came in today because my blood pressure was high. 

When we started talking, I asked her if she did receive my numbers from May. She said that she did and she told her someone to message me to take 1 and a half of one of my blood pressure pills. She quickly saw from my facial expression that I did not get that message. So today, I wasted half of my day plus I will have to pay for a doctor's appointment that I wouldn't have had to come to if someone had followed through and got a message to me. It was a wee bit frustrating to say the least.

I was home just long enough to work with Whitman this afternoon before I left to go and pick up Keaton. Then I came home and helped Robby unload a few things. We then headed to the store to buy a few things for next week plus quite a bit of cleaning products-I was out of oxiclean and have a whole host of things to wash. 

We came home, and I helped Campbell dye her hair. I have not heard a result yet, so that update will be tomorrow. Speaking of hair, Anderson's head was shaved today for a fund raiser at school. I think that he looks pretty handsome-plus it reminds me of when he was little bitty!

October 4, 2026-The Month of Camping: trip 1

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Robby and I were up early so we could head home to get ready for church. We were able to get ready at church and wake up Whitman and Keaton. Even though we left a bit early, Robby had to run to 2 different gas stations. He did drop us off on the way so we were able get into the church house on time.

I had worship care, and gracious those little babies were all heavy today. My bad shoulder is even worse tonight! After church, we had our Sunday lunch at Grannymom's house. She had roast and potatoes which we had not had in a long time.

We visited for a while, and then we came home. We changed clothes and got the dogs before heading back to the campground. This afternoon we sat around and talked with the Wilsons and took the dogs on a few short loops. 

Then it was supper time-Tony and Shannon heated up all of the leftovers, and everything was still very good. The bugs were not very good tonight-there were tons of gnats everywhere. Thankfully, we have a bug light in the camper so the 100 or so that got in the camper quickly met their maker. Plus those that didn't, I sprayed with bug spray.

I decided at the last minute to come home tonight because Keaton has to go and babysit super early in the morning. I came in the house and started talking to the girls, and since then I haven't really done anything else. I should be getting a few things done to get ready for tomorrow, but that my not happen.