- I guess that you could say that today is officially snow day number 8. There was even some sledding that happened today by Campbell and Whitman, but the picture that I'm posting is not real (it looks like Campbell is 10 feet in the air on her sled.)
- Keaton had a Valentine's party early this morning so Robby took her there. Campbell decided the other day that we are also going to have a Valentine's party here in a few days. Keaton and all the girls wore little dresses today even though it was 10 degrees outside this morning!
- While she was at the party, Robby ran some errands, and I was on dog duty. When Keaton came home from the party, Robby and I left to do a bit of shopping.We did plenty of shopping for other people, but I didn't buy anything that I needed-there's always tomorrow though.
- We made it home with 2 of the kids' free ChickFilA sandwiches. That was their meals, but I also made ravioli for the rest of us. We watched the Hogs game during our supper. Now we are looking forward to having a little bit of extra time before church tomorrow, and probably tomorrow will be our last snow day!
January 31, 2026
January 30, 2026
- It was an odd day for me because I did keep thinking that today was Saturday for most of the day. The first thing that I really started on this morning, after Marley went down for her nap, was making lemon poppyseed muffins from my new cookbook. They were actually really good, but they were a lot of work-there is probably a lemon poppyseed muffin package that would have been a lot quicker for sure though they probably would not have been as good.
- Robby left pretty early, and even swung by a place and bought a car. He didn't think that he was going to buy a car today, but I knew he would. He didn't have any luck with his people in NWA really, so he talked to an old buddy who now sells cars. They were able to get him into a car for a price that he could stomach having payments at.
- This is our first new car in quite a few years, and certainly our first car payments in a while. This new car will mainly be the kid car, but right now Robby thinks that I will drive it when they are not. Campbell has big plans for driving the new car around as well as Keaton. Graham isn't so sure about it and said that he still wishes the suburban was working. He is still thankful that he has a car that works though.
- Robby and I took Campbell and Graham to work today. While they were there, we ran a few errands before picking up the minivan, picking up Keaton, picking up Graham and Campbell. Then Robby took the girls to babysit while I brought Graham home.
- Babysitting was just enough time that Robby didn't know weather to come home or stay out so he decided to stay out. That left me at home with Graham, Whitman, and the dogs. I did talk to Graham for a good while plus I saw Whitman occasionally, but really, it was just the dogs and I.
- I've been home for about 2 and half hours and have taken Marley out, taken Bentley out, taken both of them out, taken both of them out, taken Marley out, taken Bentley out, taken Marley out, and taken Marley out again-I KID YOU NOT! If we need to, Robby can confirm this statement with our doorbell footage.
- ....It is now after midnight, and I pulled out my computer to do some school planning and saw that I never finished this post. I probably didn't finish because I got distracted with taking a dog outside to potty. Actually, since Marley didn't have an accident today, I will count it as a win.
- Campbell and Keaton ended up babysitting until after 10. Robby took the long way home instead of the back way since he wasn't sure about the roads. Then everyone was in the kitchen talking for a while before any of us went to bed. Keaton isn't even in bed yet because she is painting a banner for tomorrow.
January 29, 2026
- Snow day 6 possibly. Campbell and Keaton usually have Mother's Day Out on Thursdays, so they have already finished their school work finished for the week. That just left Graham and Whitman doing their school today.
- I am glad that they had to do work today because I have had to keep reminding myself that today is Thursday. I've done quite a bit today, so I'm not really sure what I will do tomorrow. Now please don't misunderstand; there is plenty of things that I don't want to do that I could do (like clean the bathrooms).
- Whitman did his school work today, and he continues to finish things...and then I continue to add things! Though I think I'm adding fun-ish things, but he may not think that.
- Robby left the house today to run a few errands...and he barely made it home. He was driving the suburban because he certainly still needed its 4 wheel drive. He got to Grannymom's house to drop off her supper, but by the time he got there, the suburban had already stalled on him and was making a horrible noise.
- Grannymom and I prayed him all the way home. The kids were all looking out the windows to watch the last time they would be driving that suburban. The best he can tell, using the 4 wheel drive of the suburban probably made whatever happened happen sooner. Either way, it was going to happen, and we are glad that it happened with Robby driving it and not Graham driving it to Arkadelphia next weekend.
- The Suburban has over 404,000 miles on it. I'm not sure exactly how many miles it had on it when we got it. I do remember praying around 380k that we could make it to 400k, so we are thankful for those extra few thousand miles. Though we are now in a little bit of a pickle until that is replaced, but we will make it work.
- Robby had supper with him so the kids ate plus he had groceries. He did forget he regular butter, but he did remember the extra special butter. We used this butter tonight to try to replicate Shannon's cookies. We did decide that we need to up our oven temperature and lower the rack, but Graham did say that they were "pretty good" so we will take that as a win.
January 28, 2026
- Snow Day 5 and really, I am still loving it! Whitman had mentioned last night that he might want to sled in the morning when things were still frozen, so I had told him that he could. However, when I woke him up, he wasn't actually that ready to go out into the cold.
- Instead we did our reading as normal this morning, and school day went on as usual. It was a fairly quiet morning. I couldn't get my schedule right though-there are some things I can do when Marley is awake, and there are other things that work best for me to do when she is asleep. Today, I always seemed to be doing the opposite.
- Keaton convinced me to make muffins this morning. When I say "make muffins" I am just referring to the ones in the package. Unfortunately, we only had one package. I tried to quickly think if I had an easy and quick muffin recipe, but I really didn't have time for that so package muffins it was-each person could have 1 and a half.
- Whitman went outside some this afternoon, and we didn't really finish his school until after 4. Robby and I ventured out tonight to pick up ChickFilA sandwiches for everyone. Lawson is fine, but all of the other roads are not fine at all. Robby had told the girls that they could babysit Friday night (with him taking them), but he wasn't too sure when we made it home.
- Keaton did manage to get a friend to come over and spend the night tonight. They have just made brownies so that will be a nice treat!
January 27, 2026
- Snow Day 4 (possibly-I have lost count). We again woke up and did our school work this morning. Whitman was pretty hard to wake up this morning. I'm sure that was because he played hard yesterday in the snow.
- We did our early reading, and then Keaton asked me to make pancakes. I obliged, but the only problem was that Robby was in his office on a call. I peeked my head in and saw all the faces on the screen so I quickly retreated. I text Robby thinking that he might see it, but he didn't. Campbell was doing school in the living room so I made sure that she was listening for Robby to hang up.
- Eventually, he did hang up, and I was able to retrieve the griddle and start on the pancakes. It was hard finding a spot on the counter to use for breakfast because I had already folded 2 loads of clothes. Last night I decided to wash all their snow clothes because the mudroom was getting a little bit smelly, so I had so many big heavy clothes to fold.
- Around noon the kids went out for their first round of playing. The snow was kind of melting some so everyone didn't stay out too long. Whitman came in to finish his school, but after doing a bit he decided to go back outside to work on their sledding track. He was outside long enough that I went to check on (I just peeked at him from the bonus room window.)
- We ventured out to the Wilson's house tonight for supper. We wouldn't have made it down our street and Tony's street if we didn't have the Suburban's 4 wheel drive. Lawson was clear, but it will be a while until all these roads are clear.
- We stayed through the basketball game, and Shannon even made chocolate chip cookies for us (Robby brought the chocolate chips). The girls, Shannon, and I played a new card game as well. As soon as we made it home, the kids went outside to do some sledding.
- Robby and I are hiding out in our bedroom tonight because it is easier to keep an eye on Marley when she is trapped in here with us. And here is a quick Marley report-she sleeps through the night well, but she is occasionally still having a few accidents in the house, and goodness she is super bitey. Sometimes we wonder if she might be a little bit extra special...if you catch my drift!
January 26, 2026
- Snow Day 3-Even though no one else went to school today, we did our full day today. Well, we kind of did a full day. By 11, the kids were already outside in the snow. They have worked on a sledding track so they can sled from the camper into the woods.
- When they came in around 1, I made grilled cheese for everyone. I had just convinced Whitman to start back on his school when Graham encouraged everyone to go out again. This round they were outside for at least 3 hours. I would take the dogs out and walk around to see them playing. I know that they must be exhausted.
- They even walked in the woods far enough that my phone dinged saying that Graham had left the house. Keaton said that Graham had filled his pockets with Robby's chocolate candies so they had a snack on their exploration.
- When they came home, I went to town with Whitman so he could finish his school for the day. We did skip our last little bit of spelling, but everything else he did finish. I figure that tomorrow will be similar to today so there will be lots more sledding.
- We made chicken nuggets and fried potatoes for supper. It was an easier supper, but it was probably a favorite so far of our snow day suppers. I would assume that one of the girls will make a dessert tonight, but right now they all bundled up and left the house to go sledding once again.
January 25, 2026
- Snow Day 2-I woke up and started making cinnamon rolls. The recipe that I have been using only takes about an hour, but this one took about 3 hours so they were more like a lunch item. I could have made my other ones, but I'm working through the cookbook.
- I thought they were good, but Graham and Robby both thought my other recipe was better. I haven't really made anything yet from the cookbook that people have just raved about. I would guess it is the maker and not the recipes.
- I watched a bit of church, read some, finished my 22 squares for the week for my blanket, and tried to keep the house straight most of the day.
- Graham, Whitman, Keaton, and Whitman all went out a a few times today. All of them but Graham are actually outside right now. I did just peek out the window and saw that Whitman does indeed have a jacket on. I did see a few pictures, and I believe that Reagan did a little bit of sledding too!
- The Wilsons came over fora little bit this afternoon to eat a cinnamon roll. They stayed and watched some of the football game with us. Once they left, it was soon time for me to start work on tonight's snow day supper-quesadillas.
- We ate, and now after the football game that is on the tv is over, there will be another Ticket To Ride game happening.
January 24, 2026
- Snow Day 1-We woke up to the ground covered in snow/sleet, and it was still coming down. We had laid a tarp out last night and weighed it down with logs so Marley, especially, would have some place familiar to potty.
- The tarp worked well, but Robby almost killed himself trying to get the snow off the tarp so he could lift it up. He was only able to get half of it cleared so that half is what we used for the rest of the day. It worked fairly well-though Bentley will go anywhere, but Marley is a little more picky on her potty spot. We did determine that her preferred place to potty today is actually the couch.
- Campbell was the first one awake, but she just came down for breakfast and then went back upstairs to sleep more. Keaton was the last one awake. She actually slept so long that there were only blueberry scones left because everyone else had eaten the chocolate chip scones.
- I had tried a new recipe from my cookbook, and they were really good. I have a list of a few more things to make depending on how long this snow lasts. Though Monday will be a school day no matter the weather so maybe I won't be baking on that day.
- It was near 1 when Graham, Campbell, and Whitman found some sleds in the shed and went off to do some sledding. Keaton does not like the snow at all and has not since her boot fell off in the snow once when she was little bitty.
- They were gone for a good bit of time-Campbell did come home with her new jacket torn in a few places. Her sled went in the ditch on her way down the hill, and something tore her jacket. She was a bit bummed, but I told her we would replace her jacket.
- Whitman and Campbell were in and out most of the day. He made bubbles to blow and try to freeze. Campbell spent a long time in the hammock. Robby and I were in and out of the house all day taking dogs potty, but the kids did help out quite a bit today with that too.
- We had potato soup for supper this evening, and then Robby, Keaton, Campbell and I played Ticket To Ride. Keaton was the big winner on this version of Ticket to Ride too-I have one more version that we will play soon so we will see if she had true Ticket To Ride skills.
- Keaton made lava cakes for our dessert tonight. They were delicious, and now we are letting Marley play for a bit before her bedtime, and I'm waiting on my dishwasher to finish so I can run it again-this is a two dishwasher load day.
January 23, 2026
- This has been a fun day while we have anxiously awaited the weather. I woke up and started working on things around the house. The last time that I remember the power going off, I had dishes in the dishwasher and lots of laundry, so I made sure that won't happen this time.
- I have washed all the towels, vacuumed the carpet, washed a load of laundry in the middle of the day to stay caught up, cleaned the windows, vacuumed the hard floor, and dusted. I was telling Robby that with all the weather talk, I can see how people get wigged out. He said that he was worried that I was possibly panicking since I was cleaning which I do not do often.
- I ran some errands with Robby this afternoon. We even ran down to Malvern for a shop down there. There was not nearly as much happening today as yesterday, but I was able to pick me up some hot chocolate which made me super happy.
- Keaton spent most of the day with Grannymom. They did some shipping and some painting-Keaton even found some frames to hang on her gallery wall. Keaton made it home while Robby and I were home for a short break.
- Campbell and Graham went to work today and requested chicken bakes from Costco for their suppers. So around 5, Robby and I left to go and pick those up. We then picked up my van from when I met Robby earlier in the day.
- On our way home it started sleeting just a little bit. That didn't deter us from going to the Wilson's house for a quick supper. We didn't stay too late because when we came hone, I had time to play Flip 7 with the kids. Whitman was the big winner tonight.
- Now Robby and I are hiding out in our bedroom because it is the warmest room of the house!
January 22, 2026
- Today was the last day of school for the week for Whitman. I normally would say that this was the last day of school for the week for Graham too, but he is going to do a little bit for Monday tomorrow just in case their is an issue with the power.
- And since Campbell and Keaton had Mother's Day Out today, they finished school for the week yesterday. This is my favorite part of the school year because people are starting to finish things up so I just keep adding more fun things! (Well, I think that they are fun.)
- Whitman did his school today, and he was finished at a decent time. However, this morning he had gone to the bonus room to read and had been gone a very long time. I asked how much longer he had, and he told me that he was just reading extra. That's great and all, but there was school to be done!
- Keaton and Campbell met Robby and me at the gas station to fill up a few of the cars. Then we all came home for a bit. Then Robby and I took Keaton to Grannymom's house to spend the night. I'm not sure what all they had planned, so there will be more details tomorrow.
- Then Robby and I went out to eat with the Hobbs before dashing into Walmart for a few minutes. We made it home around 10, so I'm trying to keep the puppy up for a little bit before it is bedtime for all of us.
January 21, 2026
- Marley slept the longest that she ever has last night-until 8 so that was super nice. I wanted to start my day earlier, but it was nice just staying in the bed as long as I could this morning,
- We started school, and working together with Keaton and Whitman is really my favorite part of the school day. I only really see Campbell for about 20 minutes during school, and I see Graham a lot less than that.
- The morning flew by-I spent a good deal of time changing my sheets. Last night Campbell set Marley on my bed, and the two of us just stood there and watched as the dog immediately went to the bathroom. She has done this before, but this time she got everything wet-and changing our mattress pad is a hassle since it is like a pillowcase zipped on the mattress. My sheets and all of my bedding is perfectly clean-and there will be no dogs on my bed for the time being.
- Since I haven't been able to walk in the mornings due to Marley, I should really be making walking a priority in the afternoons. However, today, I let Campbell and Keaton convince me to go to Walmart to do some shopping.
- It was absolutely crazy at the grocery store. It took us longer than it should have, but we all still had fun. Plus I rewarded us all with a drink from the gas station on our way to church. We did the church thing tonight. I was in a classroom which made the night go by really quickly. ,
- Campbell and Graham stopped at ChickFilA to eat on the way home, but the rest of us just ran by to pick up our free sandwiches. Now we are all home, and I'm about to work on some of my crocheting. My goal was to have 22 squares done by the weekend-I'm on 4!
January 20, 2026
- I woke up at 4 this morning to go to the bathroom. I guess I was still sleeping a bit, because I just kept thinking about how I am usually not awake at 4. Sometime I wake up at 3 or 5 but never 4. I thought that was the oddest thing last night! (I probably need some more sleep to be that impressed with waking up at 4 in the morning.)
- This was a fairly easy first day back at school. Campbell was already awake when I went to go and wake up Keaton and Whitman. Then Graham wasn't too hard to wake up. He started his Spanish class today so it took a bit to get his book downloaded, but other than that things went smoothly.
- Campbell and I went to renew her driver's license this afternoon. While we were on the way home, she suggested that we go and take a Walmart order. We did and not only did we take one, but we did two.
- We had fun shopping and delivering for someone else, but Keaton didn't have any fun staying with the dogs back at the house. Marley is really still a two person job. Campbell would have stayed out longer doing more deliveries, but I had to come home to relieve Keaton and to work with Whitman.
- When we came home, I finished school with Whitman. Then when Robby came in, I left with him to go and do a few more shopping trips some more. I guess just the mention of snow has this town going crazy. There were orders left and right. This was actually Robby's highest total day from all of his years of doing his side gigs.
- We were out for a bit and stopped at the Wilson's house on the way home. Once at home, we caught the end of the ballgame and went through all of the mail. Now, we are trying to keep Marley up a little bit longer before it is bedtime for all of us.
January 19, 2026
- I think that it has been quite a few years since we have taken off on President's Day/MLK Day and not done school work. Today we did though since Graham and Campbell were coming home from their retreat today.
- And taking off the day of school was really nice-probably too nice really. I could get used to being off on Mondays and Fridays, but that wouldn't be a good thing.
- Robby went to do a little bit of shopping this morning so it was just Marley and me awake at the house. I did some crocheting-my goal is to make 22 squares this week. I have finished 4 so I have a ways to go. (My original plan had been to make a Christmas blanket, but I decided before I buy more yarn I probably should finish up some of the yarn that I have.)
- When I woke Keaton up this morning, I asked her about what time she babysat-she had no idea what I was talking about. She had completely forgotten about babysitting this afternoon.
- Campbell and Graham made it home, and they both had a really good time at the retreat...and I think that they were both pretty tired. Graham immediately took a nap, but Campbell babysat with Keaton and then she has not napped so far tonight. She is trying hard to stay up until bedtime.
- I took Marley to the vet today for an appointment-last time he said that she was too thin. This time he said that she had doubled her weight so that is good. I know she has doubled her weight because I spend a lot of time during the day holding her, and my arms are soar most of the time plus I'm also out of breath quite a bit because she is so heavy-it's like a mini work out.
- I made a recipe from my new cookbook-it was fine. So far, I haven't really made anything that has been absolutely excellent and something that I would want to make again. However, I'm still enjoying working through the cookbook, Tomorrow the plan is to make scones from the same cookbook.
- After eating, the kids and I played a round of Apples to Apples. They all enjoy the game, and it usually isn't one of my favorites, but it was really not bad at all tonight. It looks like it will be cold and possibly snowy later this week so maybe we will get some more games in!
January 18, 2026
- I tried to sneak out of bed this morning without Marley hearing me, but as soon as my feet hit the ground she started whining. That was fine though because she needed to get up and start her morning so she could go to bed as soon as we left.
- I showered and then the house started moving. Keaton was already up this morning, and it did take me and Robby both going upstairs to get Whitman up. He may be groggy in the mornings, but he isn't sour in the mornings-my girls can just be downright mean in the morning time when I'm trying to cheerfully wake them up.
- We went to church this morning, and it was different with just Keaton and Whitman there. Robby and I are usually the ones waiting on the kids after Sunday school, but we talked a bit so then it was them waiting on us.
- Keaton had driven us to church so the car was parked far away-and it was a chilly walk to the car after church. I guess that I should have taken her up on the offer to drive the car around to pick us up Though she isn't supposed to be driving by herself!
- We ate lunch at Nonna and Pops' house, and she picked a perfect day for chili. We visited for a while, and then we headed home to let Marley out. She played for a bit, but then I quickly put her back to bed so I could have myself a Sunday afternoon nap.
- Robby ran some errands this afternoon while I did some crocheting. Keaton convinced me to take them to Sonic so we made a quick Sonic run. Then I played a game with Whitman and another game with Keaton and Sophia before we went to the Wilson's house for Sunday supper.
- Shannon had pasta for supper which we scarfed down as the boys were talking about all of their shopping trips lately. After visiting more and watching some football, we headed home. Now, the house is quiet, the kids are in their rooms, the dogs are in their beds, and I'm looking forward to having Graham and Campbell home tomorrow.
January 17, 2026
- Marley was the first one to wake up this morning at 7-she didn't get the memo that it was Saturday morning. That was fine though because she eventually took a nap so we stayed in bed a bit longer.
- Robby left fairly early while I stayed home on puppy duty. I did the dishes and laundry before I did a little bit of crocheting-I had to figure out how to do it all again.
- Whitman got a new Pokemon game last night so I played it with him. First we had to figure it all out, and surprisingly, it wasn't that confusing to play. He smoked me and even stalled winning the game at the end.
- Next, Keaton, Whitman and I played a version of Ticket to Ride. Keaton smoked us on that game. It was a fun game to play, and when we finished I got out all of our other Ticket to Rides to play later this week.
- Keaton and I then went to meet Robby. Keaton ran into Altered State to find her a top, and then we did some errands and Walgreens and Sams. Then we picked up some supper-Keaton's was from Subway which is always good, but mine was from Jimmy Johns and it was a bust. (I asked for no onions and of course, it was full of onions plus it was just too spicy for me (that was my fault I guess for not properly reading the menu description.))
- Now that we are home, I have taken the dogs out at least 10 times-it hasn't been pretty. Keaton is now making brownies for us to enjoy tonight and for her Sunday school class tomorrow.
January 16, 2026
- Fridays are my favorites. Marley slept well, and she went down for her nap fairly early. I was hoping that she would stay awake a little bit longer because I really didn't want to walk so early when it was still chilly. It has been quite a long time since I have had to wear a hat and gloves to walk.
- By the time that I was finished walking, everyone was texting me asking about when we were leaving. Campbell, Keaton, and I ran a few errands before lunch time. First, we had to get Campbell's glasses tightened.
- Then, we ran into Walmart. At first, I didn't think that we were going to have much to buy, but the girls were able to find enough to fill up the buggy. When we finished there, we went to Starbucks for a quick drink-Robby has a few gift cards from there so we all enjoyed a drink (I had a hot chocolate which was delicious.)
- Once we made it home, it was time for me to help pack Graham for the retreat. He had everything laid out, but he had about the equivalent of what Anderson took to college. It didn't help any that the weather is going to be chilly so he had to bring heavy warm clothes, but it took some strategic packing for me to get everything in his suitcase. Campbell wasn't any better because she said that her and Keaton had to work together to close her suitcase.
- Robby and I left with Keaton and Whitman first tonight. Keaton babysat for a few hours while Whitman went to Winter Jam with his friend Carter. This was his first concert so I will be interested to hear all about it when he does get home.
- Campbell and Graham had to be at church at 5:30 to head to their retreat in Searcy. I know that they are going to have fun-it is just Keaton and Whitman here at the house this weekend. I just did some figuring and in 2 and a half years, they will be the only ones here all of the time because everyone else will be in college (Graham, Anderson, and Campbell) and graduated (Reagan)
January 15, 2026
- Campbell drove her and Keaton to Mother's Day Out this morning. I think that they both enjoy their new found freedom-we do! When they left, I was working with Whitman doing our morning reading. I'm excited about next year when I will just be reading with him in the mornings.
- While the girls were gone, the boys finished school. It is quite a bit quieter in the house with just 2 kids here. Graham was super quiet today because he had himself a long nap probably because he was already walking on the treadmill when I just got out of bed.
- When the girls came home, I was making chocolate chip bread-it was fine, but the crust was a little bit crisp. Later this evening, I made waffles from my new cookbook...and they were also not wonderful. The kids pretty much decided that the box waffle mix is better.
- After we ate, Graham, Campbell, Keaton, and I played quite a few hands of Dutch Blitz. I think that I was close to winning, but Campbell and Graham are pretty stiff competition. While we were cooking, Robby made cookies.
- I was going to make myself a steaming cup of hot chocolate at 9 tonight, but I just realized that it was after 10 so I guess there is not hot chocolate for me tonight!
January 14, 2026
- Graham knew that he had a little bit of extra work this morning so he wanted me to wake him up at 8:30 when everyone else wakes up. I did, but he didn't really stir until 9 when I text and hollered up at him.
- Keaton had done a good bit of her school work last night so she was ready to work with me early in the morning. It is nice when I don't have a lull first thing in the morning-it does mean that my laundry will be folded later in the morning though.
- Campbell was finished next, and this afternoon I pulled out her school for next week. Whitman was the last one to finish, but he did manage to get it all done plus get a shower before I even had to ask him.
- Graham picked up his and Campbell's last check on the way to church tonight. It will be a few more days until they get busy again at work and start back. I think that they are enjoying their break, but I know they are ready to make some money.
- We did church this evening-there were a lot of kids there. Quite a few of the adults were inside during game time so I had plenty of people to chat with which made the evening go by very quickly.
- Campbell and Graham went to ChickFilA on the way home. I had planned on having some hot chocolate tonight, but I think I've waited too late for that so maybe tomorrow.
January 13, 2026
- School day number 2 this week, and I stayed in bed later than I have so far this school year. Marley woke up and pottied. Then Robby put her back in bed with us, as we usually do; however, today, she was pretty calm and just laid there...so I did too.
- We did our school work this morning-one of Graham's concurrent classes started today so that kept him busy. And an arm update-his arm is now bruised and nasty looking, but he does think that it is a little bit better.
- We went to eat lunch at Nonna's house today-Keaton drove us over there and back home again. I offered to let Whitman drive home, and he said that he could, but he didn't want to. Of course he hasn't started practicing yet, but it won't be long at all before we will have 6 drivers.
- This afternoon Whitman finished school while I went on a walk with Bentley. Today she didn't want to come home and wanted to keep walking. I also wanted to keep walking because my book is really good that I'm listening to.
- I made a quiche for supper to go along with Robby's pizza that he brought home. I didn't have all of the things for the quiche, but I combined a few recipes to make it work-I thought it was pretty good. After we ate, Graham, Campbell, Keaton, and I played about 20 rounds of Dutch Blitz.
- Now Campbell is making us dessert, and we are snuggled in on the couch for the rest of the evening!
January 12, 2026
- Marley slept until after 7:45 this morning. I have felt that my morning alarm has been waking Marley up, but this morning she slept through my 7:30 alarm and few snoozes. Then I stayed in bed a bit longer expecting her to wake up at any point.
- I did eventually get up and start getting ready. Then when she did start whining I was ready for the day when I took her out. I did have to go upstairs twice to wake Bentley up; she was sleeping soundly and wasn't ready to go out.
- Graham had a doctor's appointment this morning to look at his arm. It is a bit swollen and since he can't really bend it, we figured it would probably be a good idea to get it checked out. Nothing was wrong on the xray, so it is possibly just a bad sprain.
- Sad day afternoon here-Anderson left to go back to school around 1, and Reagan left a little bit after him. I think that they were ready to get back, but also part of them wasn't too ready to go back. It is different without everyone here for sure.
- Keaton went to a Bryant basketball game this evening. She was able to see quite a few friends who were spectating, cheering, dancing, and playing. While she was out and about, Robby and I ran some errands. Then we picked up some free food (a gallon of tea for my birthday, chicken for my birthday and with Robby's reward points, cookies for my birthday and with Robby's reward points.)
- Once we made it home, we settled in on the couch for the last little bit of the day!
January 11, 2026
- Campbell and Keaton had to be at church super early this morning to hold the doors for people coming in. The rest of us left soon afterwards-makes me sad that this is the last week for a while that all my people will be at the same church. (Don't get me wrong, I'm incredibly thankful that I they are all at a church though.)
- Robby and I snuck out of Sunday school early (really, there is no sneaking out when you are sitting in a circle of 40 other people-they all saw us leave) to go and pick up Marley. We don't have many more weeks of picking her up between church and Sunday school, but it is still just such a long time in her kennel.
- We had lunch at Grannymom's house. She had warm soup on this cold day. We stayed and visited for a bit, and then Robby and I went to run one errand-it took a bit longer than we had planned, but it still worked out.
- When we came home, he watched Marley while I made tonight's cake and chicken. Then Marley took her Sunday afternoon nap while I took my Sunday afternoon nap-and Sunday afternoon naps should really be more than 30 minutes.
- Robby and Keaton left first to go to her life group. She drove there, and Robby said that she did very well. I left next with Whitman to take him to his life group, and then I picked up Anderson's suit and shirts from Nonna and Pops. Then Graham and Campbell left to go to their dgroups at the church house.
- I came back to the house and started working on our late night Sunday supper-it was later tonight because Keaton's dgroup wasn't over until 7:30 so Robby didn't get home until he picked her up. The Wilsons were all here for supper tonight, and it was a fun gathering before all of the college people go back tomorrow!
January 10, 2026
- Robby and I left the house this morning as soon as we could get Marley down for her first nap. Now, this is still before any of the kids woke up so it was decently early. We filled up two different cars with gas, and then I went to Walmart.
- After Walmart, I met Robby at Target to help him finish a shop. Then I hurried on to Nonna and Pops' house to drop off two shirts. They are ironing a few things that Anderson is going to need at school over the next few weeks.
- I zoomed home because I only had less than an hour to make mac and cheese. I had told the boys last night that I would have it ready at 1, and it was 12:15 when I made it home. This was a new recipe, and it used a pot to boil the noodles, a pan to heat up milk, the strainer, the blender, a whisk...it really used most of the dishes that I have. Plus Campbell had attempted cookies (ok) and Keaton had made brownies (very good) so that added to the dishes.
- I ended up pulling the mac and cheese out of the oven at 1:06 so I was pleased with that. While it was baking (actually broiling) I was able to clean the kitchen and start the dishwasher. Graham said that the macaroni was the best I've ever made, and Anderson said, "it's up there." I will take that as a win for sure!
- Laynie came over so Amber came in a chatted for a while. Then before too long, it was time for me to leave again. This time I met Campbell, Keaton, and Laynie at Granmyom's house. They had been shopping at the Promanade and Walmart.
- We picked up Grannymom and met up with Anderson, Graham, and Robby at Graham's second ballgame. His team did really well once again and once again only lost by a few points. It was a fun game, but we would like for them to win at least one game.
- Reagan went out to eat tonight, and she even wore one of my new sweaters-I must be incredibly stylish one of the girls to wear something of mine! The girls picked up Sonic drinks on their way home while the boys picked up pizza.
- Everyone ate, and there were quite a few showers taken this evening!
January 9, 2026
- Since there wasn't much school to be done today, I was able to go on my walk early this morning with Bentley. She walked longer than usual, and I could have walked longer (but didn't) because I'm listening to a really good book and didn't want to turn it off.
- Keaton and Whitman were the only ones with some school today-Keaton is doing a culinary book and had to bake cookies. Whitman saved his math from yesterday. This afternoon I picked it up to check it, and told him that he had skipped more than he did. He was quick to tell me that he wasn't finished-he was just doing so many problems every 30 minutes.
- Anderson and I left the house today-first to return his tennis shoes to Academy so they could take the security tag off of them. Then he had a hair cut before we grabbed a few things at Walmart. He only needed one thing from Walmart, and everything else we bought there was for Reagan. Finally, he filled up the buggy for himself at Sams.
- Once at home, we were not home too long until people started leaving the house. First, Keaton and Campbell left to babysit, and then Anderson and Graham left to play basketball. That just left Whitman and Reagan here with me. Soon Robby came home with food for all of us.
- The rest of the evening was just spent on the couch watching football and eating Keaton's cookies!
January 8, 2026
- It was back to work today for Keaton and Campbell, but today was different because Campbell is now 16 so she wasn't just earning a tiny bit of money for camp; instead she was earning cash for herself!
- That just left me at home with Reagan and Anderson-Reagan spent the day crafting while Anderson set up his new computer and tried on some pants. They aren't staying too busy, but I think that they are enjoying the down time.
- Graham was up on time today. He hasn't started his concurrent classes yet this semester so he doesn't have a ton of work plus work hasn't started back so his days are pretty slow too. Whitman read first and then worked with me. He did his work in a different order today, and finished a little bit earlier.
- I tried to walk today, but just as I was walking back to the house to drop Bentley off (she just likes to do a half mile) it started raining pretty good. I checked the radar and went back out to walk some more and after walking just a tiny bit, the rain came again. Robby came home so I helped him unload and put the trash can up. It wasn't raining then, so I tried again, but those big rain drops fell down again on me, and I just gave up on today's walk.
- Robby went to pick up Campbell and Keaton, and then they went out to eat. When they came home, the girls didn't have too long before they left again to go back to church and work. When Campbell was asked to work tonight, she said that she was not turning down any work opportunities for real money.
- Reagan had a few friends over this evening. They went to Menchies and are now having a movie marathon. I'm not sure what they are watching, but I have made them supper and cookies. Usually, the house would be quiet after supper, and we would settle into the couch. However, tonight, Graham had a basketball game at 9 all the way across town.
- Robby, the team's coach, Anderson, and Graham all left for the game before Keaton and I. I had to wait on Keaton to get home, and then we left. The game was close-very close-and tied at the last minute when the other team scored a 3. It was a good game, and the boys had fun!
January 7, 2026
- Marley again woke up right before 7 this morning which doesn't really start my mornings off the happiest. I tried to lay in bed a bit longer, but I eventually just got up with Marley and started our day.
- Laundry and dishes were first, and then it was time to wake everyone. I was a bit late waking them, but we were still able to get everything finished by the end of the day. Whitman is not going to be happy with school next week-he usually does the easiest things first leaving the hard things for the end of the day. Next week, his list will instruct him to pick from different columns so the more difficult things can't be left until the afternoon.
- Reagan and I had a quick doctor's appointment today. She didn't really get any answers and is being referred to a gastroenterologist. They did take her blood, and the girl almost passed out-she even had me drive home.
- We came home, and I had enough time to get school ready for Keaton and Campbell next week and to finish school with Whitman. Then it was time to leave for church. After dropping off Anderson's suit coat at Nonna's house and picking up library books, I wasn't sure that I was going to be able to turn on access road unless Graham would happen to drive by and let me out. After a good bit of waiting, thankfully we were able to zoom into the traffic.
- After church tonight, Graham caught a ride with a friend to go and play volleyball. Anderson was already there, so this left the suburban for Campbell and Keaton to take to ChickFilA. Whitman and I picked up our food from there on our way home.
- I have eaten my leftover soup (and gave my sandwich to Reagan). Now I'm trying to decide if I want hot chocolate or not!
January 6, 2025-Happy 48th Birthday Tara!
- Last night when I laid down in bed, I realized that the kitchen light was on, so I opened my bedroom door to go and turn off the light. However, as soon as I opened the door, I heard people scurrying around, so I quickly shut my door. I figured that birthday preparations were happening.
- When I woke up I found the birthday sign hung up, the chalkboard done with a happy birthday message, presents, and even cards from everyone.
- I waited to open my presents until Whitman and Keaton were awake since they presents said they were from them. They wanted me to wait though so it was almost lunch when I did open my presents-almond butter, peanut butter cups, and granola from Keaton and Whitman along with a blanket basket, bundt pan, lotion, calendar, and sweater defuzzer from Robby.
- Even though Marley woke up earlier than usual, the entire day was a very good birthday. We did our school work-I was again in the hallway, and actually it isn't too bad. When Marley did go to sleep this afternoon, I went on a walk. I came home and started on a few chores. Not surprisingly, I didn't accomplish everything on my list.
- When Robby did come home, we left to pick up my hot chocolate from Starbucks for my birthday. (Actually, for some reason, I didn't get a free Starbuck's birthday drink but since we have a few Starbuck's gift cards, I still got my drink.)
- When we came home, I had to make cornbread before we could eat our chicken tortilla soup for supper. If you need the weather to be warm, just let me plan on making soup, and there will be a heat wave.
- Jason gave me a cookbook for my birthday, and I'm planning on cooking through it. Today I used the recipe for cornbread along with a recipe for butter milk (milk and vinegar which isn't a new recipe to me, but I still get to count it in my cookbook recipe count.)
- Currently, Campbell is making dessert pizzas in the kitchen-I'm sure they will be good, but it sounds like there is going to be a mess in the kitchen!
January 5, 2026
- This was the first day back at school after our wonderful Christmas break. I wasn't expecting a great day, but it actually was pretty good. I was most dreading Marley because she is a lot more mobile and a lot more opinionated about things now than she was a few weeks ago. She started off well, and then Robby took her for a bit. By the time that she was returned, she was napping so I moved myself and my stuff to the hallway to work.
- I have done school in a lot of places in this house. My current spot is my bedroom in front of the window. I know that initially we did school in the school room, but me talking constantly to whoever I am working with makes it hard for others to concentrate so I moved. I'm not sure what was next, but I have worked in the hallway one year, and when I was pregnant with Whitman, I did all of my school work sitting on my bed. I enjoy my spot in front of the window right now because when the sun shines in it is wonderful.
- I keep taking desks and things out of the school room, so even though there is paint all over the walls and all over the carpet, the school room is a pretty nice spot right now which that sun shines in that room as well. I have some big plans for that room eventually, but Robby may plan on moving his office in there. I want a craft room with a super long desk and a mini sectional, but he probably deserves an office since his is now in the pantry.
- Graham went to play basketball with his team at one today. When he came home, he wasn't home too long before he and Anderson left to play basketball with some friends. They have now been playing for over 3 hours so I know that they will be hot and hungry when they come in tonight.
- Campbell made scones today, and then Whitman, Campbell, Keaton, and I played a game or 5 of Dutch Blitz. Then Reagan, Keaton, and Whitman went for a little shopping trip this afternoon. Robby came home with our supper, and then he and I left to run some errands-there were no errands to be had so we just spent money!
- When we came home, Robby made some chocolate chip cookies-unfortunately, for some reason our cookies just don't turn out like they should which makes people sour.
January 4, 2026
- This morning both big boys took showers in our shower along with Robby and me. This made for quite a chaotic morning cycling all of us through our shower before it was time to go to church. Thankfully, I took my shower first, and while Robby was waiting on his turn he made pigs in a blanket for our breakfast.
- This was the first Sunday back in Sunday school. I spent the morning in worship care carrying around a fussy little one. After church, Robby hurried home to bring Marley back to Nonna's house-he also brought Bentley. They did fine, but both dogs make things a little chaotic-that seems to be a word for life right now "chaotic." Maybe that should be our word for the year.
- We all met for lunch at Nonna and Pops' house. Keaton was at a friend's house so she missed it, but Ethan took her place. They had ham and cheese croissants and Nonna's famous baked beans which made it one of my favorite meals.
- After we ate Nonna's chocolate cake, I opened presents-a cookbook and puzzles from Jason, and then a crock pot and gift card from Nonna and Pops. We are going to work a puzzle this week, and I can't wait to buy yarn for my Christmas blanket that I plan to make.
- Robby left to run some errands when we left Nonna's house. The rest of us headed home with Anderson driving me and others in the white van. He wanted to drive it, and I'm not so sure why. I napped some, finished my book, and did a lot of dog handling-thankfully, Marley slept well (Just FYI-Keaton and Campbell's name made it to the book today. Marley is yet to have an accident free day, but we are down to one a day.)
- Campbell went to a friend's house tonight-then to eat Mexican-then to get ice cream-then back to the friend's house-then to pick up Keaton-and then home. She loves driving and socializing. While she was there, the rest of us went to the Wilson's house for Sunday night supper. It is good to be back in routine! (I'm not really sure that I will say that tomorrow though!)
January 3, 2026
- Marley slept well last night, and then we put her on our bed after she woke, and she even slept some more (or at least we slept some more). According to my watch, I have been fairly busy today. However, all I have done is take dogs potty. Seriously, my name did get on the "was watching Marley when she had an accident" list, so I was diligent for the rest of the day even setting a 20 minute timer between potty trips.
- I think that the kids have enjoyed their last day before things start back up. Keaton had a friend come over this afternoon to spend the night. Campbell has gone to babysit, but other than that enjoying this last day before the break has looked pretty slow around here.
- Keaton did make a sweet tea pie for her friend-we shall see how it turned out! I guess it is the thought that counts. Reagan made supper for us tonight (Robby brought home some food to supplement too). She made (with some help from me) roasted sweet potatoes, chicken, corn, and avocado bowls. They were delicious!
- I'm about to get myself some hot chocolate and start reading my book. I have a good one right now on my kindle so I'm excited about getting started reading again.
January 2, 2026
- I guess this was the official last weekday of our Christmas break so I enjoyed it. Marley woke up at 7 this morning, and I promptly put her back in her kennel after she pottied and went back to sleep. I had a pretty slow morning-meaning, I didn't get out of bed until way later than usual.
- Even when I did get up and start my morning list, there was no one else awake in the house. Anderson woke up first, and he kind of scared me when he said that Graham didn't sleep in their room last night. I was glad to see that he was still sleeping soundly in the bonus room. Campbell was the next one that I saw-she had spent the night at a friend's house and came in sometime after noon.
- I have my Marley potty list, and since I have started it, she has only had 1 accident each day. Reagan asked what my list was going to accomplish, and I told her that was who was going to have to run laps. So far, we do not have any initials on the list repeatedly.
- This afternoon I met Robby to do a little bit of grocery shopping for us, and we ran a few errands as well. Eventually, he sent my home with pizza and chicken for the kids. The kids all were waiting on me when I came in, so I would have thought that the food would have been devoured. However, when everyone was finished with their meals, we still had food leftover.
- Campbell left again to go to a friend's house for a little bit. We have never charged the kids for their gas, but Campbell will probably be paying gas by the end of the month.
- Whitman and I worked on one of his new games from Christmas. There was a lot of set up, and thankfully Anderson came down to help when we got started. He was able to figure it out when I would not have been able to understand what we were supposed to do.
- Robby came home and had his supper and ice cream. Now, we are on the couch watching football, and I'm about to drink my nightly hot chocolate.
January 1, 2026-Happy New Years!
- No one was moving too quickly this morning. Campbell di leave the house that she was spending the night at around 10 and then picked up Keaton before they headed home. Reagan's friends that spend the night started stirring next, and finally I had to wake up the boys in time to go to Grannymom's house for lunch.
- Grannymom had hog jowl, black eyed peas, and even cabbage for lunch so we can all have some good luck during the New Year. Plus she had apple dumplings, my favorite, before we celebrated my birthday. Grannymom and I had gone shopping a few days ago, and we found quite a few things for my birthday.
- The kids took one car home while Robby and I ran some errands. We both did a Walmart shop plus we had a few more shops before we came home.
- When we did make it home, Marley was sleeping. So far she has had a good day-only one accident. And yes, I did start my list of her accidents-it contains, when she had an accident along with the initials of the people watching her at the time...though I'm a little worried that people will get lax on the potty trips so their name can make it on the list often in hopes that I don't expect them to help with the dog.
- I baked some bread when I came home, and then we made Traci's brownies from last night. I didn't cook them as long as I should have, but they are still pretty good. I feel like they might be gone by tonight.
- I did spent some time tonight making my list of things to accomplish over the next few days-but Robby just told me that a few places I want to call to make appointments will probably be closed tomorrow so I guess I need to rework my list.
December 31, 2025-Happy New Year's Eve!
- It was a pretty quiet morning around the house. I spent a lot of time following Marley around the house. She didn't sleep all night, but potty wise she did good-until I left the house around 11:30. Tomorrow, we will start keeping a log just to see when our accidents are happening.
- Robby left, and I even sat down to read for a few minutes. I didn't get very far though which is fine. I then made brownies for tonight-I had to make them twice. The first time I didn't cook them long enough so I baked them a little bit longer which turned out to be too long. The second batch turned out just fine.
- I left around noon to go and eat lunch with Robby. After eating, we walked around Costco, and I found myself a birthday present. Then we ran to Kroger before I hurried home to make some cheese dip.
- I actually was able to do everything on my very short list for today except to organize my sewing things. I would love to clean and organize most places in the house, but I think that my sewing stuff could easily be organized and made neater.
- Campbell went to Adi's this morning to go and have coffee. We let Campbell drive there, and then they rode with Adi's sister to the coffee place. They even did a little bit of shopping while there, and Campbell bought herself some pants.
- Anderson and Graham left early this morning to go and play basketball, but once they were home, they didn't leave again. Reagan never left the house, but she ended up with 3 friends spending the night tonight.
- Campbell had a party tonight and was able to drive there and then drive to the house that she is spending the night at. That girls loves to drive. Keaton, Whitman, Robby, and I spent the evening at the Craft's house to ring in the New Year.
- Keaton had so much fun that she spent the night when we left after midnight. Whitman enjoyed playing with everyone this evening too, and I'm sure that he will be tired in the morning.
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