- Is this Wednesday? No, it is Tuesday still. Seriously, I have been super confused on my days this week, and the week has only just begun. I woke up twice in the middle of the night last night to go to the bathroom, and each time it was like super early in the night. Then I woke up once and thought for sure that it was 8 already, but it was just 6. It was wonderful!
- Of course all of my wonderful sleeping made me a little bit short on time this morning before school started. I can't believe that I used to walk before school began, and now I struggle to take the dogs potty before we start school.
- We still started on time even though I wasn't moving quickly. Everyone did all of their work, and at lunch time I had the little 3 do another subtest of the ACT. I would love to see those three in a real classroom trying to be quiet taking the ACT in a few weeks. They were pretty wound up today, but everyone did fine on their scores (Whitman is still in the lead, just barely though because Campbell is catching up with him.)
- This afternoon I was trying to get a few things done around the house, but I also made some dip and a cake to take with me to a friend's house tonight. I also helped Campbell fill up the dog pool to let Marley play. At first Campbell said that Marley didn't enjoy it, but she did eventually have a bit more fun. (We didn't even offer for Bentley to play because she would not enjoy it at all.)
- I left around 7 and didn't make it back home until late. Before I did leave, I made some of the kids a grilled cheese with the few slices of bread I had left. I had to do a little bit of creative work to have enough bread!
- Robby came home with ice cream for everyone, and when I did come home everyone was already in their rooms for the night.
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March 31, 2026
March 30, 2026
- It was a little hard to wake up on this Monday morning. Reagan was already ready to leave when I went upstairs to wake up Campbell and Keaton to start on their school work. Reagan left the house around 8:30, but she did stop to get a fun drink on the way to school.
- I had some leftover biscuits so I made some mini monkey bread for the kids today-It was not a hit with them. I did just kind of wing it because I wasn't making a whole thing of bread. I thought it was good, but I was in the minority.
- We started on our school work, and things went pretty smooth. Whitman was still finishing his work late this afternoon. He was in no hurry so I guess that was fine.
- This afternoon I went through some of Whitman's clothes to see if I had any new ones for him. I might possibly have found him an Easter shirt so that was worthwhile.
- Then when Robby made it home, we went to work cleaning the bonus room bathroom which had gotten a little bad. Then we moved on to cleaning out the girls' sink drain which was horrible. This caused a bit mess so it took longer than the first project. Finally, Robby ended the working evening by cleaning our shower very quickly.
- We ate and then played a game with Whitman, Campbell, and Keaton. Now, we are sitting on the couch for a little bit longer before we head to bed.
March 29, 2026
- Church day, and I sure do love it when all of my people are there. Campbell set with her people, but we were still a row full of Dennies, and I loved every minute of it. After church, we all went to Nonna and Pops' house for Sunday lunch.
- We visited for a little bit there, but then we headed home. Reagan and Anderson started getting ready to go back, and around 5 Anderson did leave for school. About that time, Reagan decided that she was just going to go back tomorrow since her first class isn't until 1.
- Campbell took Keaton to meet some friends at Chilis tonight for supper. They also walked around Target for a little bit, and then arrived home about the same time that the Wilson's came over for supper and at about the same time that Graham made it home from his house sitting duty.
- We made poppyseed chicken for supper-I doubled the recipe so we will have poppyseed chicken for days. I guess that I was thinking I was feeding more than just who all was here. I also made sourdough blondies, but I struck out with them. However, the leftover oreo delight that we had in the fridge was still good.
March 28, 2026
- Robby left first this morning to run a few errands. I then left to take Keaton and Campbell to babysit. I was going to let Keaton drive, but since it was over 30 minutes away plus the car we were going to take was Anderson's car-she decided to not drive.
- That was fine so we just brought my big van instead. After dropping them off, I met up with Robby and did a little bit of shopping myself. This was actually my biggest shopping day-I made a decent amount of money.
- However, I made nothing compared to what Campbell and Keaton made today. They did babysit for 9 hours and made 4 times what I made. They were keeping 5 kiddos, and even though the day was long, they still enjoyed it, and they especially enjoyed the payday.
- When I came home, I made some sourdough snickerdoodle cookies. They were really pretty good. I had intentions of baking some sourdough something every day this week, but two times isn't that bad I guess.
- When the girls were finished babysitting, we picked them up while the kids from the house met us at Chilis. Graham came from his housesitting gig. We all ate and then went to Menchies for a snack. Now, 6 of us got Menchies, and I promise you that we have spent 60 dollars there before, and that is what we were expecting when we put our ice cream up there to be measured. However, it was just 30 dollars-we were shocked.
- The boys ended up playing basketball tonight so Anderson took Reagan's car and left from the ice cream place. So Reagan rode home with us. The girls wanted to stop at Target on the way so we did that, and then we stopped by Campbell's chicken feeding gig.
March 27, 2026
- I didn't do much from my list today. As soon as Marley went down for her nap, I left to run a few errands-my own. I fed some puppies, looked for a fan for Reagan, made a return at Walmart and bought a few things, got some free lotion at Bath and Body, and picked up a book from the library.
- Once I made it home, most people were awake-not Whitman though. He has been sleeping pretty soundly, but he did wake up around 2 today which is hours before when he woke up yesterday. It will be hard to get him back on a schedule. It will be hard for me to get back on a schedule too.
- I worked on my last Camp Geyer recipe. I have now made all my recipes plus written out exactly what I need. It isn't a hard task, but it takes quite a bit of time. Now I'm done until I panic in June because I don't really remember what I did back in March.
- Anderson said that Graham ran a half marathon in the neighborhood where he is dog sitting. It was his best running time too, but this was a messy and grey day to be outside.
- Whitman made supper for us tonight-Grilled cheese, homemade potato chips, and mac and cheese. Everyone ate, and the kid started watching some basketball. Robby and I ran some errands and came home with some candy.
- Before it was too late, most of us here played a game. Whitman had been ahead the entire game, but he lost in the final round. However, he still proclaimed himself the winner because he had the family game trophy in his pocket during the game.
March 26, 2026
- I am getting sad that our Spring Break is almost over. I wish that we had a bit more time, but in 6 weeks it will be summer vacation for everyone. (I love a short break, but I so enjoy the routine of the school days.)
- I worked on my third VBS recipe for my cooking track. I just have one more to do, but I can not remember to buy the ingredients for it. I was just telling Campbell that she needs a way to send herself a reminder...apparently, I need a way to send myself a reminder too.
- Campbell spent the night at a friend's house-actually in a tent. Robby took Keaton to babysit this morning, and she worked until the mid afternoon, and Anderson went to play basketball for a bit today.
- Reagan did come home from her mission trip. She has spent the week in New Orleans. She really enjoyed it, but she wasn't a big fan of the New Orleans food that they ate. I think that she was pretty tired when she came home, but we are glad to have her home.
- Tonight Graham came home to watch the ballgame, and this was the first time that we were all home together this Spring Break week. That will probably happen again on Sunday at church and at Nonna and Pops' house after church, but before too long on Sunday afternoon Reagan and Anderson will be heading back to school.
- When I think about it, I hope that us all being together wasn't what caused the Hogs to not do so well on the ballgame tonight! The Wilsons came over too so it was a house full which was fun even though the game didn't turn out like we had hoped.
March 25, 2026
- My first task this morning was making a meal for Graham. He is house sitting this weekend so he wanted to have a few meals to eat. We had made a trial run on this meal so he knew it was good-it actually smelled so good that Anderson requested me to save him some and not give it all to Graham.
- It was fairly quiet in the house for most of the morning, until about 10:30. That is when everyone had to move on outside to start on some yard work. We worked until a little bit after noon. and probably just need to work about 7 more days, and we will have it all done. Kidding, we really did make a big difference in the yard.
- Campbell ran to do her chicken duty, and then Graham left for his house sitting gig. Then Anderson and I left for a doctor's appointment. His asthma has been more frequent so I convinced him to go to a doctor's appointment. She prescribed him some new meds, so hopefully they will help...and hopefully, we can easily get them tomorrow,
- Actually, Anderson and I barely made it to his doctor's appointment. I couldn't find keys to the van. I searched and searched and finally convinced myself that I lost them last time I drove (yesterday). later I found out that Robby had the keys, but thankfully, Anderson was able to rive.
- We came home, and soon Anderson was leaving to meet Graham and play volleyball. Then Campbell left to spend the night at a friend's house, and I have already had my hot chocolate!
March 24, 2026
- This second day of Spring Break was a good one. I woke up and started on my things. I did make granola bars this morning, but I don't think that anyone has touched them yet. I know that Graham and I like them so we will definitely eat them though.
- Campbell had a friend spend the night so I should have made them breakfast but didn't. I left the house fairly early to meet with a friend to discuss school things. We went to Newks and had a soup and sandwich while discussing all things high school homeschool.
- When I left there, I hurried to meet everyone else at Top Golf. The boys made a stop on the way there to get their hair cut. They all looked really nice-and Easter ready.
- Keaton and Campbell both brought two friends and the rest of us brought Grannymom. We had lots of fun and lots of food this afternoon while there. We also had excellent service today, and even though we stayed a long time, we could have stayed longer.
- Once we made it home, Campbell had more friends come over so they could watch a movie. I whipped up some cheese dip and chicken so they could have some chicken nachos. They ate, but most of us were still so full from all of our eating at Top Golf.
- Robby worked in the yard a little bit, and I did a few things in the house. Currently, Anderson is in the garage lifting weights, Keaton and Whitman are chatting in the kitchen, Campbell and Graham are upstairs, and I have been told that we are playing a game much later tonight!
March 23, 2026
- I guess this is the first official day of Spring Break. No one told Marley that it was Spring Break though because she was up earlier than usual. Robby did take her potty, and then she did hang out on the bed for a little bit.
- Even though it was Spring Break, I still had my chores to do this morning. Soon though Keaton and Graham were awake. They picked up Brett and headed to climb the hard side of Pinnacle. Keaton said that she barely made it up to the top. Apparently, the boys would stop and wait for her; then go ahead a little bit more and wait again.
- They came home from the mountain, and it wasn't too much later that the big boys left again to go and play basketball. Graham and Campbell didn't have to go to work today so Laynie came over.
- It didn't take long for the girls to decide that they needed to go shopping. They left to feed some chickens on their way, but then Robby and I decided that I would come and meet him, so the girls came back towards the house to pick me up.
- Whitman watched Marley for a while, and then put her up. The boys came home while she was asleep, and the girls even came home while she was asleep, but no one thought about getting her or checking on how long she had been asleep-so this was probably her longest time in the kennel.
- Before we made it home from our errands, the boys had already left again. This time they went to play volleyball with some more friends.
- The girls have been eating supper while Robby and I are sitting on the couch watching a cooking show while I'm thinking about what would be an easy snack to have tonight.
March 22, 2026
- We did the church thing this morning-it is always a little bit difficult juggling Robby, Graham, and my showers on Sunday mornings since we all take showers in the same bathroom. I was up first, and then had to motivate Robby to move quickly so I could wake up Graham in time for his shower.
- After church we ate at Grannymom's house. She had hamburgers which were really yummy. Robby and I ran two quick errands before coming home. I did a few things in the kitchen and around the house for a little bit, then Marley went back in her kennel, and Robby and I had ourselves a wonderful Sunday afternoon nap.
- Oh, I did forget-poor Marley was sick again this afternoon. She had herself a piece of pizza last night and was then sick. For breakfast, I gave her her food, but I gave it to her slowly where she couldn't gobble it down. For lunch, I wasn't here when she ate, so I'm sure she scarfed it down despite her slow feeder bowl.
- When she was sick this afternoon, Campbell tried to move her to the hard floor and was kind of able. Anyway, it was a mess-plus I had to clean the carpet and the floor. Sweet Campbell gave her a bath, and I do think that she felt better afterwards. However, tonight I just gave her a little bit of food, and she's been fine.
- Campbell went to play volleyball with friends tonight, but she still showed up at the Wilsons. We had all been over there eating chicken spaghetti and watching basketball. We stayed until it was time to start our Monday, but when we came home-everyone ended up listing some weights, and then the big boys played basketball for a good while before coming in. In case you were wondering, I struggle to lift just the bar on the weight lifting!
March 21, 2026
- Last night when I finished this blog, we were waiting on Campbell and Keaton to make it home. They did and soon after we played a game around the kitchen table until about 11:30. I looked at the clock and knew that it was indeed Spring Break and college people (just one so far) are home because we have lost all track of time and schedules around here.
- The next order of business was completely emptying the inside fridge and freezer. It leaks if we do not defrost it occasionally, and it was past time. So with lots of help, we did all unload it to the garage. Robby worked on it today, and things looks to be working well-I haven't checked the ice maker-but I'm only going to bring things back into this fridge when we use it and maybe clean out some.
- I made scones this morning for the crew, and Keaton and Campbell left to go and babysit at 11 this morning. They are actually still babysitting-it is 20 til 12 so their paycheck should be pretty hefty.
- Robby ran some errands this morning, and I met him at Walmart to help him do some shopping. Then we came home and both fell asleep on the couch while watching basketball. We did eventually go out and shop a bit more-our goal was to pick up pizza for the boys' supper before the game.
- When we came home, we ate, and then we all went to the Wilson's house to watch the Hogs play their basketball game. I came home and updates our bracket-but I accidentally updated one game that hasn't been played yet! Hope I got it right!
March 20, 2026
- My house is happy tonight...well, almost happy. Anderson is home for Spring Break so that is exciting. However, Reagan will not get home until late Thursday night because she is going on a mission trip to New Orleans this next week. Currently, Keaton and Campbell are out shopping and on a Sonic run so my house and heart would really be happy if they were home right now too.
- Marley let me sleep in a little bit this morning so that was nice. I did a few things in the house, and then I left to run a few errands. My first stop was the library to pick up a book. I had one ready for me, and of course, I had another book become ready later this afternoon.
- Then I ran to the gas station before going and picking up Grannymom for a little bit. Robby and I then had a few errands and stopped to grab a bit of lunch. Lunch did not go well-it took forever-long enough that they were handing out free desserts (unfortunately, they weren't very good desserts-just a rice krispy treat).
- I went to Walmart next and quickly grabbed a few things off of my list. I was going to stay out and play longer, but I saw that Anderson was already on the way home. He had one class today at 1 and was going to come home after it. Of course, his class was canceled by email late this morning so he could have come home last night.
- He had some laundry and a tub of things that he brought home. He caught us up on school and all the details which made me supper happy. We caught him up on our March Madness brackets, and soon Nonna and Pops came over for a little bit to get their food out of our fridge. They came in and visited for a little bit.
- When they left, Campbell and Graham were almost home. They had been at work, and Campbell had started the day at breakfast with some friends so she has had a big day. It was pretty much on your own for supper, but I did make all of the boys meatball subs-well, I made all of the boys meatball subs and Marley one too. She only got about half, but her counter surfing is about to drive me insane. I tried spraying her with water the other day, but she liked it!
March 19, 2026
- When I went to bed last night, Graham wanted me to wake him up at 8:30 when I woke up Whitman to start on his school. Keaton and Campbell didn't have work, but I needed to wake up Campbell by 10:30 and Keaton by 11.
- It wasn't long after I woke up that I got a test from Graham that said not to wake him up. He had stayed up late studying for and then taking a test (he made a 90), so he slept in. Not too long after that Keaton wrote and told me to not wake her up either.
- That just left Whitman who I got up at the regular time to start on his school. He was done super quick this morning, and we were able to work together. We were working on some of his science and needed glue sticks, but of course they were in my amazon delivery happening later in the day.
- Campbell woke up on her own, and went to see about her small little spring break job. She is just watching some cats and chickens down the road. Keaton and Graham then woke up.
- When the games started happening, Campbell decided to make a huge March Madness bracket. It is massive and fun! It took us a while to make it and write all of the team names on it, but we are keeping it updated as the games are played. It is fun because everyone keeps turning around to check the bracket while watching basketball.
- Keaton and Campbell spent some time tanning outside, but everyone was inside to watch the Hogs play basketball. I did snooze just a little bit, but as soon as the game was over, Campbell had to start on her meal.
- She has been wanting to make steak forever, but we have been dragging our feet because we don't really know how to make steak to help. Robby bought the ingredients and sent her recipe, and that girl did it. Not only did we have steak, but also roasted green beans and mashed potatoes. (I also made some chicken because I wasn't sure that Keaton and Whitman were going to want steak-they did! And I ended up eating the chicken because I really don't like steak at all.) Robby and Campbell both said that the steak was like Texas Roadhouse so I guess that she did really good on it.
- It took a bit to clean the kitchen, but now we have watched some basketball. I figure that I just might read a little bit. Hopefully, I can finish my book this weekend.
March 18, 2026
- Another school day here. This was Keaton and Campbell's last day of school before Spring Break so the mood was high here. The kids are knocking out quite a bit of school work, but I have a long list of things that I want for them to finish this summer too.
- Campbell and Graham had work this afternoon so the house was pretty quiet. Whitman finished his work early again, but we did have to work together in the afternoon. We even had time to do some of his new science things.
- When Campbell and Graham made it home, Campbell and I headed to church. We had to stop at the library so Keaton decided to go to with Graham in hopes that he would beat us to church-he did! Campbell even made me run when I went into the library (well, she encouraged me to run, but I did not.)
- After church tonight, Campbell and Keaton went to ChickFilA while Graham had me stop there on the way home so he could get his free sandwich, and since we were there, Whitman bought himself a milkshake.
- Graham has a test tomorrow, but I think that he is planning on camping out in front of the tv to watch a few basketball games.
March 17, 2026
- Today was a fun day-first, Marley slept until 8. That isn't much later than usual, but it was still wonderful. There is nothing better than laying in bed knowing that you don't have to get up quite yet.
- We did our school this morning. The kids (Campbell, Keaton, and Whitman) took an ACT test a few weeks ago, and then Friday they took one subtest. We still have two more to take again, but I haven't been reviewing this test with them, so it has made our school day shorter. And for some reason, Whitman was finished with school by noon today-I'm not sure what happened!
- Campbell had an Accuplacer math test today-she needed to get a certain score so she can take college math next semester. She was pretty far off of it last time she took the test, but that girl has been studying super hard so today she scored higher on that test than any Dennie has before.
- She celebrated her test with a fun drink from 7 Brew. Unfortunately, she now has to start studying for the next test that she has to take (she has two more).
- Whitman was finished with his school early, but he still had to work with me this afternoon. That didn't take too long because we also played a game when we were done. Then I started working on my class meeting food-roasted green beans and sweet potatoes. It took me forever to chop all of the sweet potatoes and take the ends off of all of the green beans, but I was able to get it all in the oven in time.
- I then went to class meeting this evening while Robby brought home the kids a "mystery supper." It wasn't really a mystery since he let them pick it out, but it was a mystery for a while because Robby didn't know where he was going to stop when he first wrote and asked them if they wanted food from someplace.
- I made it home in time to sit on the couch with the dogs for a little bit before it was finally bedtime.
March 16, 2026
- It was super cold this morning so I when I heard Marley whining I laid super still until Robby got up and took her out. It is no secret because he knew exactly what I was doing since I made it clear last night I was going to do ignore the dog in the morning. Unfortunately, I still had to get up and go to the bathroom so I couldn't lay in the bed too long.
- I had forgotten to start the dishes last night when we went to bed. Our fancy dishwasher has a one hour setting which is normally what it is set to. However, when I started the dishwasher this morning, it reverted back to the default because the power had been out. The default is heavy wash so it took at least 4 hours to wash those dishes-I could have washed them quicker by hand.
- We did the school thing this morning. It all went fairly smoothly. I was excited because Whitman received some new science in the mail. We did one of the lessons today, but I really need more glue sticks to finish-and I should have gotten some more tonight when I was at Walmart. Oh, well, I'm sure we will be back tomorrow.
- Graham and Campbell went to work this afternoon, and they even had to call 911 on the way there. A car had been following Graham closely on Lawson, so after he turned on the next street he was looking at the car. The next thing he saw was the car flipping three times. They did stop and called 911 (I made sure that Campbell knew that she was not to stop at all when she is by herself.) The people were fine but a little shaken up. I hate that the wreck happened, but I'm glad that the kids saw it because it will be a good reminder for them to slow down!
- Campbell and Graham finished work early so once home, it didn't take too long for Keaton and Campbell to decide that they wanted to go shopping. They left the house, but I'm not sure they really bought anything except for some candy.
- Robby and I ate supper, and then we realized that I needed some veggies to cook for tomorrow's class meeting. We ran to the store and bought about 6 pounds of sweet potatoes and 5 pounds of green beans plus we delivered 3 people their groceries before coming home.
March 15, 2026
- I woke up pretty early this morning when I heard Bentley bark. I didn't look at my clock, but I knew that it was still dark outside. I did know that it wasn't too much later when I woke up again when the lights went off. I did look at my clock this time, and it was near 6:30.
- Hearing Bentley bark plus the immediate silence with our fans off caused Marley to wake up. Robby turned on a white noise on his phone in hopes that Marley would go back to sleep. I'm not sure she really did go back to sleep, but she did at least only whimper every so often for the next hour and a half.
- With the power out, Robby wanted to shave so he headed to the camper to get things set up for him to shower there. I had washed my hair yesterday so I was good. I had worship care plus I had to get food to Pops (their fridge is out right now), so the girls and I left fairly early. Thankfully, the light did come back on a little bit before we did have to leave so I was able to at least look in the mirror to make sure that I didn't look too scary.
- Robby's car stopped at the doughnut store on the way to church. He said that he felt like he needed a little something to wake Whitman up. After church we hurried on to Nonna's house so we could watch the Hogs basketball game. We watched the beginning, ate, and then watched the end.
- When the game was over, the kids come home to do their chores (not of their own free will) while Robby and I went out to run some errands. Since we stayed longer at Nonna's house, we didn't make it home for a good bit.
- When we came home, it was almost time for Campbell to leave for Rock Creek. I hurried her up telling her to leave earlier because it was about to storm. By the time she made it to the car, it had already started pouring and hailing. She came back in the house for about 3 minutes, and then the sun was practically out again and things were calm so she headed on. Once she made it safely there, we both napped for a little bit.
- Then we worked on supper for our Sunday night supper. We made sloppy joes which the kids have always abhorred-they have had them maybe twice when they were tiny so really, they don't even remember them. We like them though, plus we had chicken patties for them so no one went hungry tonight especially when we ended the meal with oreo delight.
March 14, 2026
- I was able to sleep until my alarm this morning, but I was not able to sleep until my snooze alarm was up. By this time, Marley was awake-once she does wake up and especially after she hears me get out of bed, her barks just become louder and louder.
- My goal is to get completely ready and put the laundry from the dryer into my basket before getting her. However, most mornings I just have to get half way read-pants and shoes-so I can take her out and not scare the neighbors.
- I do really like the dogs most of the time, but I'm just tired of them. For example, by the time I had left the house this morning at 9:30 I had taken the dogs out 6 different times plus since this is Saturday I didn't even think about brushing their teeth, brushing them, or taking them on a walk.
- Campbell and I dropped Keaton off at her first birthday party at Blue House Bakery. They had muffins, and then they ended up doing some shopping in the boutiques nearby. Campbell and I went to a wedding shower this morning, and when we left, we picked up Keaton and took her to her second birthday party where they ate and painted pottery.
- When we came home, Campbell went outside and tanned (or should I say burned), and I took a nap. We didn't get to be home long because we had to pick up Keaton from her party, and then we headed to the Banana Ball baseball game.
- Graham opted to stay home and watch basketball so I took his ticket (we just had 5). The game was definitely something to see-it is basically like the Harlem Globetrotters times 50 but with baseball. There was always something to look at-music, dancing, games, fireworks, plus they were playing a baseball game the whole time too.
- When the game was over, we came home and watched the end of the Bryant basketball game before eventually heading to bed.
March 13, 2026
- I read relieved when Marley woke up this morning looking well. Last night Campbell saw her gobble up a wasp and then quickly spit it out. I was pretty convinced that after a few minutes, I could see that the side of her mouth was a bit swollen. She loves ice so we made sure that she ate quite a bit during the evening, and by bedtime I couldn't see the swelling anymore.
- This is the second Friday that I have done a good bit of crocheting. I have to do my crocheting standing at the bar when Marley is awake, so this is also the second Friday that my legs have been super tired! However, I'm getting close to finishing up all of my yarn for this blanket...now I just have to buy more yarn to put it all together!
- I did another subtest of the ACT this morning with Whitman, Keaton, and Campbell. Everyone's scores were different this time, but Campbell did tie Whitman's score on this section. Since I had to wake them up to do this, I had candy laying at the table waiting on them and made pancakes for breakfast/lunch afterwards.
- Campbell and Graham went to work and dropped Keaton off at Lily's house so she could do Keaton's nails. Then I picked up Keaton, and we ran to Trader Joe's to buy some things for all of Keaton's parties tomorrow. (She has two birthday parties-this the second week in a row that she has had two parties on the same day.)
- When Campbell walked in the door from work today, she and Keaton pretty much walked back out. They spend the evening babysitting. Graham spend the evening watching basketball, while Whitman spent a good bit of time playing on his Switch.
- Robby and I ran some errands tonight and grabbed some pimento cheese bites from the store to try as part of our supper-we tried them but won't need to try them again!
March 12, 2026
- Campbell and Keaton left first this morning for work. I woke Graham up fairly early too, and Whitman and I did our morning reading together. I really enjoy the book that we are reading together so I wish that we made more time to read on these Thursday mornings.
- Whitman knocked out most of his school work early, but it was still a busy morning. Graham had a test today which was quite difficult for him to take because he had to jump through quite a few hoops to get the computer to work for the test.
- When the girls came home this afternoon, they both headed outside. Keaton walked, Campbell laid on the trampoline, and even Graham ran. Bentley saw everyone outside, and she was not happy at all because she wanted to be out there with everyone else. I relented and did let her hang out on the trampoline with Campbell for a while.
- Keaton and Campbell left again to go back to church and work some more this evening. I left right after they did to meet Robby. We ran some errands and came home with pizza for the boys. The girls are already back home so now it is the best part of the evening-all of the kids are home (well, most of them), and I'm sitting on the couch.
March 11, 2026
- This was the hardest morning to wake up since we have changed our clocks because it was so dark and dreary outside when it was time to wake up. I could barely see how to get to Marley's kennel to let her out.
- Even though it was hard, I was able to get everyone awake and doing their school at a decent time this morning. We are certainly starting to finish school work around here, but no one's school is really getting any easier since I just keep adding things.
- Campbell and Graham went to work today-they said that it was pretty quiet there, but they were able to find enough things to keep them busy. They came home just in time for Campbell to leave with me.
- I just had the library to go to on the way to church, but it was about to rain so I had to hurry. Then we made it to church. The girls jumped out, but I sat in the car for a bit. However, it did start raining so I scurried to grab my things and run into the church house.
- After church, all of his ended up stopping at ChickFIlA. Keaton drove with us, but when she saw that her friends were there with Campbell and Graham she opted to join them. Whitman and I came home and ate after taking the dogs out.
- Now everyone is already home, and I'm about to try to sit on the couch for a little bit before bed-possibly with some hot chocolate.
March 10, 2026
- We didn't sleep in this morning, so we started bright and early. It wasn't really bright today either, but at least it wasn't rainy. Everyone did their school work, though no one had started on their work the night before.
- Marley usually takes her morning nap at 9:30, but I have moved it back to 10 lately. She still, however, is waking up at 11:30, but I just let her stay in her kennel until noon or whenever I'm finished working with the kids. Today, Graham finally rescued her because Whitman and I were still working well after noon.
- Whitman, Campbell, Keaton, and I met some friends at the Food Bank today. We helped bag food for school kids to take home on Friday afternoons. Our group, us and a lot of other people, bagged over 1500 bags while we were there.
- We celebrated our hard work with Sonic. We had already ordered when Graham, who must have been tracking us, requested a drink. Since he had Marley duty, he did get a drink too. Graham also made supper tonight-he wants to have a few meals ready to take when he house sits, so tonight we were trying one of his out. I thought it was really good-I would change the pasta that we used, but other than that it was pretty tasty.
- Whitman and I played a game this afternoon. We did the same thing yesterday too, and while we were playing the game I was kind of working a puzzle that is on the table. Yesterday, Marley watched me work the puzzle, and I guess that she thought it was actually food and not just pictures of doughnuts because she jumped onto the table! I'm sure I will not have all of the pieces to this puzzle.
- After supper, everyone went their separate ways, and Robby and I are waiting to watch our show later tonight.
March 9, 2026
- Keaton and Whitman convinced me to start school an hour later this morning since everyone had already done much of their school work already, plus it was the first day after turning the clocks back. I agreed even though the agreement included us doing our morning together work at noon.
- School time went smoothly even though everyone does have a lot of work to do with me right now. Plus, there was a the storm that came through-Marley was sleeping, but Bentley doesn't like storms so she settled herself in Robby's office for a while and then beside Campbell as we worked together.
- We did our work together during lunch like I said that I would. Usually, Robby showers while we work together and keeps Marley with him. Today thankfully, Campbell was around during some of our reading time to watch Marley, but then the rest of the time she was with us-this caused Keaton to cover up herself with a blanket while Whitman crawled into the kennel leaving me out with the dog.
- Campbell and Graham went to work this afternoon. While they were gone, I even forgot that Keaton was here because I only saw her once. Whitman and I did play a game this afternoon, and I worked some of a puzzle.
- It was around 5 when Robby wrote asking if I wanted to come and shop with him. I ended up riding with the Wilson's to Walmart and then meeting Robby. We did a few orders before meeting back up for supper.
- Now it is almost bedtime, but Robby and I have some computer work to do before bedtime!
March 8, 2026
- This was Time Change Sunday so we were moving a little bit slowly. The "we" I mean is Robby, the boys, and me. Campbell and Keaton had to greet this morning at the doors so they were awake and heading to church before I even had Whitman out of the bed.
- After church we talked for a bit, and then we hurried to Grannymom's house for Sunday lunch. She had a yummy soup along with a delicious lemon cake. Lilly was there because she is home for the weekend, and Les and Shelley even showed up on their way home.
- When we left there, Robby and I ran to the store really quickly while the kids headed home. When we made it home, Marley had already been up for a while, so she took a nap while Robby and I took a nap!
- Before too long it was time for everyone to leave. Keaton left with Robby to go to her lifegroup first. Robby let her drive there and even back home. Whitman left with Graham and Campbell. They dropped him off at his lifegroup before going to their Dgroups at the church house. This left me all alone at the house. I did work on Graham's transcript, but other than that I did nothing at all!
- We all met back up at the Wilson's house (except for Whitman) for Sunday supper. Shannon had hot dogs and ice cream for supper-the supper was good, but the visiting was better. The kids left, and we stayed a bit longer before heading home for the saddest part of the weekend.
March 7, 2026
- The thunder woke me up around 5 this morning, and it took me a little bit to get back to sleep. Then I was awake again when the next round passed through. I had to leave at 8:45 this morning, and when the lights flashed once, I jumped out of bed to take my shower and dry my hair before the lights went out (they never did go out).
- I needed to be in Arkadelphia at 10:30 this morning, so I figured leaving at 8:45 would give me plenty of time in the rain. I did leave a few minutes later than I planned plus I did stop once to run an errand for Robby, but I took me just about the whole time to get there.
- Today was Mom's Day for Reagan's EEE social club. It was really nice. There were vendors which we really didn't look too much at. Then, there was breakfast-they had all kinds of pastries, plus a coffee bar and yogurt with fruit and granola. It was all very good!
- After we ate, we did some watercolor for our craft. I'm not good at it, but Reagan and her friend at the table were both really good at it. When it was over, it was raining pretty good again, but the drive home was not too rainy.
- Once at home, I had a quick nap. Then Keaton and Campbell left to go and babysit. They were home by 10 which was fairly early for them. Graham and I left soon to go and meet Grannymom and Robby.
- This was Graham's last basketball game-they lost by 5ish. It was a really good game, and Graham played great-I think that he scored around 13. Even though they lost, we still celebrated with David's Burgers afterwards.
- We got home from the game, and I finished my crocheting for the day, wrapped a package to mail, and bought a birthday present for Whitman.
March 6, 2026
- I stayed busy most of the morning long-crocheting! No one stirred around here until 11 so the morning was super quiet. I would do a few things from my list and then would crochet a little bit. I have a blanket I'm trying to make with leftover yarn of mine; however, I'm starting to run out of yarn. My blanket will probably end of being a little smaller than I planned.
- Graham and Campbell went to work this afternoon while Keaton, Whitman, and I left the house too. Since they are taking the ACT in a few weeks. they needed to fill out an extra form because they do not have id cards.
- We met Robby at the bank so we could have a notary notarize those papers. Then Keaton ran into two different stores while I got gas. And since we passed a Sonic, we stopped for a drink and even a pretzel.
- On our way home, we stopped at Nonna's house to see them for a little bit. I think that Nonna was getting around really well today, and I think that they were glad to see us. We visited for a bit, and then headed home because Keaton had two birthday parties to get ready for.
- One of Keaton's friend's had to reschedule a birthday party, and that party ended up on the same night as another party. Keaton opted to just go to both of them. I took her to one, and my plan was to go to Walmart for a bit. However, I was 20 minutes away so by the time I made it, I would have just a few minutes before having to come back. I ended up just sitting in a parking lot and read some of my book.
- Keaton left the first party early so she could make it to the second party. During the second party, I did run home since I was close by. Before I left to pick up Keaton, Campbell left for her party which was for the sister of Keaton's first party tonight.
- Robby brought home some pizza tonight for everyone at home, and now Robby is working on a house project while I'm trying to convince myself that I should get off the couch and pick up the kitchen.
March 5, 2026
- I heard Marley this morning and picked up my phone. My phone alarm had been going off so I turned it off. I then looked at the time and even scrolled for a minute before I realized what the time really was. My silly alarm had been going off SILENTLY for over an hour!
- That is not the way I wanted to start my morning. Robby said that he thought I was just sleeping in because it was Thursday. It's still a school day so there is no sleeping in. Thankfully, I just had to take the dogs out and then wake up Whitman to get started.
- Whitman had a lot of reading today so he did that while I caught up on what I didn't get done while I was sleeping. We both ended up finishing most things about the same time and worked together.
- Thursdays are quiet here with Campbell and Keaton gone, and I don't see Graham much during the day. It will be really strange around here next year with my Graham gone, and that will make my Thursdays super quiet.
- The afternoon was kind of quiet plus I was able to do a little bit of crocheting which I haven't done much the last few weeks. I made a sheet pan meal tonight (it was just from a bag)-it was a flop! I figured that it would be, but Robby had already eaten, Campbell, Keaton, and Whitman didn't really even want to try it, and it was too spicy for Graham. I did kind of like it (it was pretty hot plus there were a ton of carrots which aren't my favorite.)
- Marley is currently napping so we are enjoying sitting on the couch quietly for a little bit.
March 4, 2026
- When I went to bed last night, around midnight, Campbell and Whitman were in the school room waiting on a 3d print to finish. I think that they went to bed fairly soon after it finished, but Campbell was able to successfully print a snake.
- Then she started an Albert Einstein glasses stand. It finished this morning, and she painted it. It turned out really cute, plus she just got some new glasses in the mail today so she was super pleased.
- Campbell and Graham had work this afternoon, and as soon as they left I pretty much left for my eye doctor appointment. My eyes keep improving-they were once -2.5 and are now a -.75. I guess my eyes are trying to improve enough that I don't have to go to the eye doctor anymore.
- Keaton has been crafting like a mad woman lately, and she needed a different kind of batting so I ran to Hobby Lobby on my way home. Once I made it home, I finished school with Whitman before jumping into the shower to get ready for church.
- We did church tonight, and Campbell was the only one who went to ChickFilA afterwards. Well, the rest of us ran by CFA to pick up our sandwiches on our way home. Once home, we ate, and now Robby and I are on the couch catching up on our tv watching.
March 3, 2026I
- Robby and I both keep thinking that it is further in the week than just Tuesday, but I'm glad that it is just Tuesday. We did the school thing this morning, and Whitman, who usually does things the same every single day, switched it all up again.
- Since the kids did an ACT test yesterday, we started working on reviewing all of that today. It takes a while, so once I lost track of time, and poor Marley was in the kennel for a good while. She didn't mind though because we fed her when we got her out-all she cares about right now is eating and biting.
- This afternoon Campbell, Keaton, and I ran a few errands. We left earlier than planned because Graham was possibly going to play basketball, but he ended up not. Keaton wanted to drive so she drove us to Goodwill.
- We were just going to run in there, but ended up leaving with a dresses for both girls, a shirt for me, and 2 books as well for me. Then we went to Hobby Lobby where Keaton was looking for some crafty items. Campbell also found her a diamond art painting. Next it was to Seven Brew where Campbell bought herself a drink before we ran to Grannymom's house for a little bit.
- Once at home, I finished working with Whitman. Then pretty soon afterwards, Robby and I left to run some errands and go out to eat with the Wilsons. While we were gone, Campbell figured out how to print on Anderson's 3D printer so she plans on staying up late tonight to see if it finishes correctly!
March 2, 2026
- I feel like I packed everything that I could into this day-and I didn't even leave the house. I have done most of my daily list and 24.8 percent of my weekly/monthly list. I would get up and see the exact amount I have completed of my daily list, but I'm tired, and since it doesn't really matter!
- Coming back from a trip is always a bit busy plus for some reason I made this the day that everyone took a practice ACT. Campbell did hers yesterday, and Keaton and Whitman did theirs today. Let's just say the youngest made the best score, but everyone has some work to do which is fine because we all have plenty of time! (Well, Campbell doesn't have that much time, but she will be fine.)
- Marley slept until 8 this morning so we don't have to move into the camper. Hopefully, that trend continues. My goal would be to start walking again in the mornings, but staying in bed a little bit longer is nice too.
- Everyone did their school work today, and because we were trying to squeeze in the ACT too, school did seem to take forever. That was fine though because it is all finished now. Campbell and Graham went to work at the normal time, and Keaton and Whitman even had some downtime this afternoon...though he does have one more school thing, but I'll let it slide.
- This afternoon I cleaned the caper and reloaded all of the clean things back in. I should have restocked it with all of the things I needed to add, like forks-I gave all my extras to Reagan, but I decided to save something for tomorrow.
- Robby is bringing home supper for the kids, and they have been watching him like a hawk. He has been out running some errands. Campbell is not watching Robby because she is out with some friends. Last night she figured up how much she had spent during the month of February, and Robby's total was vastly different. She probably should be home working on finding a 3rd or 4th job, but you only live once.
- Marley and I currently in the living room-I have been leaving Marley alone for longer and longer time periods during the day. Today, I went outside to cut the laropa while she was in the living room. When I came back inside, everything was as it should be. I do know though that will probably not be the case every time that she is unattended.
March 1, 2026-Camping in February?
Once again Marley gets a gold star. She slept until 10 again this morning. Now don't think that I'm slighting Bentley; we know that she is the perfect dog, and trust me, she has been given many, many gold stars.
Pretty much as soon as we climbed out of bed, we went to work packing up the inside and the outside. I was dreading the ride home because Marley was a little stressed on the way down to Degray even with Campbell and Keaton beside her.
I made Whitman wake up and ride with me so he could handle her during the ride home. There really would be no way I could deal with her in the white van because there isn't a seat near me that I could have my hand on her during the ride. However, from the moment I started the car, Marley was perfect. She would try to sit in Whitman's lap some, but mostly she just laid right beside him and was super content. I'm not really sure why the change because on the way there, I regretted not getting her a marijuana gummy or two to snack on.
Robby pulled out of the campground a bit before me, and it took me a while to catch up to him. Eventually though, I did tuck in behind him for the rest of the ride home. Silly Whitman did look up and said, "well, that camper looks like ours."
We went right to unpacking as quickly as we could. I like to take one load into the house, put it away, and then try to do a few other things in the house before going to get the next load. So when the camper was finally emptied, the house was kind of straightened as well.
The kids went to church this morning and then ate Sunday lunch at Pops' house. They made it home about the same time that we had finished with the camper. Now, I still have to clean the camper, but it is emptied and everything that came out is now clean and ready to be put back in again.
This afternoon Robby ran some errands while I kept up with the laundry and tried to mark a few things off of this weeks list. I think that most everyone took a nap here except for Campbell; she did an ACT practice tests and then went to Rock Creek.
The Wilson's came over for supper tonight. They helped us clean out the fridge and ate our camper food. When they left, we quickly cleaned the kitchen and now the wonderful weekend is over!
February 28, 2026-Camping in February?
It was another wonderful camping day-this morning not a one of us stirred in the camper until 10. Marley was still sound asleep at 10 and only started moving around because she heard Robby and me talking. Our morning conversation was something like this: "We should move into the camper?" "What time is it?" "10:00" "Definitely moving into the camper."
We haven't slept late like today since Marley came to live at our house. Bentley was still pretty tired and in no hurry to go out, but Marley was a little more anxious. Robby and I started working on breakfast-eggs in the hole, pancakes, and sausage. Robby wrote Anderson to come over for breakfast, and he was here before Robby was done cooking. Reagan loves the cafeteria, but Anderson is not a big fan of it at all, so he was definitely up for a home cooked breakfast meal.
Soon after everyone finished their breakfasts, everyone left-Graham, Campbell, and Keaton headed home to Little Rock. Graham had a basketball game tonight (they lost, but came back quite a bit during the last half), Keaton had a party (Pops had to pick bring her home from it since all my other drivers were busy), and Campbell had to babysit (this was just her second time at this house, and she does well while she is there.) Anderson headed back to Ouachita because he had some school work and laundry for today.
Once everyone left, it was just us and Whitman. We didn't see much of him today because he was living his best life! Robby and I sat outside all day except for probably about an hour. I read and finished one book and started another. I had bought yarn to crochet some on this trip, but never really felt like pulling it out.
Around 6 we started on supper. Anderson invited a few people to come tonight to eat, but everyone was gone, so he just brought one friend which was still perfect. We are glad to feed one or many! Tonight we made meatball subs which were super easy to make and pretty good-they were good enough that Anderson took our extras home with him.
We watched some of the Hogs game, and then we started cleaning up. It didn't take too long to put everything away. Now hopefully tomorrow we will sleep super late again (not counting on it!)
February 27, 2026-Camping in February?
We weren't expecting much from Marley last night; we were even dreading it a little bit. However, she did so good and didn't wake up until 8:30. (This doesn't happen, and I'm not expecting it tonight.) After she woke up, Robby took her potty and then put her back in the kennel, and she slept even longer.
We all really didn't still until 9:30ish or even a bit later. Graham and I left around 11:30 for a quick trip to OBU. Graham has decided that he wants to add Business to his Communications major in the fall so we met with the dean of the business school. Then we saw Reagan and finally Anderson, before meeting with the lady that he will do work study with in the fall.
When we finished, Graham was famished so we ran to Sonic-and who was there, but Robby and everyone else. They had been to Walmart and needed a drink on the way back to camp. Once we were all back at camp, we pretty much stayed outside all afternoon.
The kids rode their bikes some, even Whitman. Anderson even came back to see us for a little bit. He visited for a while, and we asked him all of the questions that we could think of. When we left, we started on supper.
Reagan brought a group of friends to eat tonight, and boy did they eat! We thought that we had enough food, but we had to pull out more chicken because even though it was mostly girls they just kept going back to get seconds. One of them even requested oreo delight-we actually had made it for tomorrow night's meal, but we pulled it out of the freezer to eat some tonight!
The Smiths pulled in to their campsite late, but they came over and visited with us. After Reagan's people left, we moved by the fire and talked until Robby started putting the food up. We had a mess to clean up inside and outside. It didn't take too incredibly long to clean up, and then we took the dogs on a short walk-now, here's to hoping that everyone sleeps well tonight!
February 26, 2026-Camping in February?
Keaton and Campbell went to work this morning, and they were a bit disappointed that they didn't have any free sandwiches at ChickFilA. The rest of us did, so Robby headed the same way to pick up our sandwiches before they expired.
While Campbell and Keaton were at work, Whitman worked on his school. I should be able to say that Graham worked on his school as well. He did some, but he also did some xboxing and even some cleaning. This afternoon when I was leaving, I was also reminding him to make sure that he did his work that was due today! He could possibly be a procrastinator.
While Whitman was working, I did a bit of last minute packing plus I helped Graham organize all of his drawers. He has a lot of tshirts. We got rid of about 5-well, we didn't really get rid of them because we put 3 in Whitman's drawers to wear later and 2 in Anderson's drawers because they were his.
Around 1:30 Robby and Whitman left. They ran a few errands on the way to Degray, but they were there and set up before Campbell, Keaton, and I arrived. The girls stopped at a gas station on the way home, and after Campbell took a shower we left.
Graham didn't leave with us because he had a basketball game tonight. He knew that they were playing one of the best teams plus they only had 5 players tonight. Graham's team lost by a good margin, and the picture I saw of Graham he was dripping wet with sweat. He took Grannymom home after the game, went home to take a shower, and then drove on to the campsite.
When we did arrive at the campsite, Robby had everything set up. I just helped hang the lights-our lights are just perfect on this trip. It helps that we have a pretty great spot this weekend. And let's talk about the weather for a bit-we didn't really think that we would be able to camp this weekend since we weren't going to come if it was cold. Right now though the weather is perfect!
February 25, 2026
- It was another busy day around here. We did the school thing this morning, and school kind of flowed on into the afternoon. Graham and I were still working on his paper after noon today-we were going to work much earlier in the day, but he got a text saying that the internet was out at work today so no work for him and Campbell.
- Needless to say, they were devastated-ha! Graham did opt to go to church with me this evening. He wanted to go with me even though I was leaving so early because he gets a bit bored on days that he doesn't go to work.
- This afternoon I just ran around trying to get things ready for tomorrow. I made a pan of gluten free brownies for Reagan. Then I made a pan of sourdough brownies because I had a friend rave about the recipe. (Don't tell anyone, but I guess I messed it up a little bit because it is good, but they are by no means great.) I started worrying about those brownies so I just made a box of brownies. Seriously, we will never eat all of them! Plus tonight Robby made oreo delight and peanut butter pie to bring camping.
- I left for church early with Keaton and Graham because we had a few stops on the way. First, we stopped at Nonna and Pops' house to pick up some wire hangers. Then on to the library to drop off some books and pick up one. Finally, we went to Michaels so I could buy some yarn.
- I even splurged at Michaels and bought a candle (it was just 2.40), but when I came home I set my library bag which was full of everything from the car on the bar....and it fell over breaking my candle. Ugh!
- When we came home from church, I helped Robby finish up his cooking and now I'm setting on the couch!
February 24, 2026
- This was a fairly busy day-busy enough that I didn't even rewrite my to do list for tomorrow, I just added a few more things to mark off..or a few more things that I probably won't get around to marking off.
- We did our school this morning, and the morning went by very quickly. Soon Campbell and I were headed to take her Accuplacer test. We just did all three today without any studying at all just to get a baseline. She did fine, but we will have to start studying so she can pass all 3 before school starts in the fall. She is going to start studying math this week so she can try again in a couple of weeks.
- After we finished, we ran to Walmart to pick up a few things-mainly a drink for her. Then we browsed for a bit before doing some shopping and a delivery. Once at home, I had to work with Whitman, but we sped through everything so I could leave again.
- This time I met Robby at the store to do our shopping for this weekend. We never really made a list so hopefully we have everything. We will set down and figure things out tomorrow so maybe we will remember anything that we have missed.
- I picked up some supper on the way home, and everyone ate while I tried to straighten a few things and catch up a little bit. Right now Marley is sleeping, and I think that I'm going to have my second cup of hot chocolate!
February 23, 2026
- Mondays make me sleepy, and today was definitely a sleepy Monday. Plus I wasn't really expecting it to be so chilly today. I love winter and want some more, or so I thought. After today, I'm not too sure if I really do enjoy chilly weather.
- This afternoon I went to get the mail, and it was just cold so I opted to skip my walk. I was fine with this, but I think that it upset Bentley a little bit. She had been a bit on edge today, because she knew that Marley got to go to the camper (I'm trying to get her used to it), and Bentley saw me take a load of things out there. When we start doing things in and for the camper, Bentley gets a bit anxious because she does not want to get left at home.
- This morning we did our school work-things are slow the first part of the morning, and then I always look at the clock, and somehow it is already lunch time. I'm not sure why the last half of the morning flies by; maybe it is because everyone is waiting to work with me plus it is also the time that Marley wakes up from her nap.
- This afternoon Graham and Campbell went to work. They went to help shoot some pictures so that made their day go by a little bit faster. While they were gone, Whitman finished school, and I did some crocheting.
- Keaton and Graham went to Goodwill when Graham came home from work. Keaton found shoes, and then they decided to stop at Panda Express on their way home. It was quite interesting listening to them split the food that they bought-they got out the scale to make sure that they had the exact amount.
- Robby came home, and we finished off some leftovers. Now, I'm sitting on the couch freezing and thinking about getting myself some hot chocolate.
February 22, 2026
- This Sunday morning Graham had to bring breakfast for his Sunday school class so it was an early morning around here. I had laid everything out last night to help as much as I could, and Graham had said that he would help get things ready.
- I'm not sure if he set his alarm, but I did have to wake him up to come down and help. I cracked the eggs and put them in the oven. Graham then worked on heating up the sausage while I put the fruit on the platter. He then went to the shower, while I assembled the breakfast sandwiches.
- Soon Keaton and Campbell were leaving for church; Campbell had worship care so she had to be there early, and we needed Keaton to take up the first load to Graham's Sunday school room.
- After church, we all met up at Dana's house to celebrate Grannymom's 82nd birthday. Les and all of his family were there to help celebrate Grannymom. Dana had soup, salad, dessert, and everything else! It was a perfect meal, and we spent a good deal of time visiting afterwards.
- The kids then hurried home to let Marley out because Sundays are still a long time for her. Robby and I ran to the store and bought a few things that we needed; and then we zoomed home because we had to quickly make brownies before heading back to church.
- We took Whitman to his lifegroup, and then Robby and I had a game night at church with our Sunday school class. While we were gone, Campbell and Keaton went to pick up some of Keaton's friends, and then Campbell chauffeured them around all night long stopping at most stores!
February 21, 2026
- I had a pretty quiet morning. Marley and I were the only ones awake for just a little bit though-Campbell had an early morning birthday party that she went to. Then she had quite a big morning. After the party, she went to help fold napkins for a wedding. When they finished there, they went to get a drink and then to another friend's house.
- Robby left to run some errands, and soon after he left Graham asked about breakfast so I made pancakes for everyone here. I am always surprised how much people like pancakes and grilled cheese even though they are so easy to make. Well, I say that they are easy to make, but my pancakes today stuck and looked like a toddler had made them.
- And while we are talking about not being able to make things-I pulled my sourdough back out of the fridge this week after having a friend's delicious bread at church on Wednesday I made a loaf yesterday which was ready to cook this afternoon. And, well that is one more thing that I just can't figure out how to do.
- Graham had a basketball game at 5 tonight-this was his best game. His team one by 14ish which was their easiest game. They all looked like they had fun tonight, but Graham did have a gash over his eye at the end of the game so I guess it was a little rough out there tonight on the court.
- While we were at basketball, Campbell and Keaton went to babysit. Campbell was going to have to babysit at one familiy's house, but they cancelled so she is joining Keaton at their regulars house.
- After Graham's game, we went and ate at David's Burgers again. I guess since we have done that twice now, it is a tradition. Don't feel bad for Whitman; he was excited to get his leftovers from last night.
February 20, 2026
- Even though there was no school this morning, Marley did not know this! She will not understand that tomorrow is Saturday, and we are all supposed to sleep in either. (Bentley did know that today was Friday; she didn't come down stairs until after 9 this morning.)
- I started on my things for the day-actually, there wasn't a whole lot on my list, and actually I didn't get much done at all. Everything I attempted to do, just took a long time. My first task was to register Campbell, Keaton, and Whitman for the ACT. This took forever! It started with with my computer not logging in to the ACT site so I had to use the new computer, which I don't know how to use, so that just slowed me down more.
- Then I started working on getting school ready for next fall. I know, I know, it is too early, but I was only able to finish 4 out of the 10 things I wanted to do-all of that was just to get ready for one subject for Keaton.
- I also worked on crocheting-my goal would have been to do 20 little things today, but I just managed to get 8 done. That was fine though because there is always tomorrow! While I was working on this, I decided to try again to make some sourdough bread. I worked on that, but then Robby came and picked me up to do some shopping. Thankfully, Campbell and Graham were already back from work, so she could do the next few steps in my bread. (We will cook it tomorrow after 2 and see if it is any good. I never have good luck with it; Campbell does though.)
- Robby and I went to Walmart, Sams, and Costco and bought things at all those places. At Costco, we bought our supper (butter chicken), Whitman's supper (a slice of pizza), Keaton's supper (a cookie), Graham's supper (a chicken bake), and Campbell's supper (a chicken bake which she had to eat on the run since she was leaving to meet her friends at Menchies.)
- Robby and I are going to the WIlson's house in a little bit plus I will probably have to wait up for Campbell. Last night she was out until 11:40ish babysitting, but she did very well...like so well, Robby has encouraged me to start babysitting.
February 19, 2026
- Thursdays are always very quiet. Campbell and Keaton left early to stop by ChickFilA to get their chicken biscuits on the way to work. Then that just left Whitman and Graham here doing school. Graham doesn't need me for much, and Whitman has a lot of reading to do each day, so he spends a good deal of time in the bonus room reading.
- I was able to do a few things on my list today, but I didn't sit down to register Campbell, Keaton, and Whitman for the ACT. I'm putting that off because it will take a while. That is on my list for tomorrow, but honestly, I may or may not do it tomorrow!
- Keaton and Whitman had a fire drill at school today so that was a lot of excitement. Plus it was early out, so I bet that their day went by fairly quickly. As soon as they made it home, Graham left to go and play basketball. He was gone for a few hours.
- Unfortunately for Campbell, Graham didn't make it back in time for her to leave, so she had to take the minivan when she went to go and babysit. This is a new house that she is babysitting for so hopefully it is all going well-I haven't heard much, plus they parents are at a concert so it will probably be a late night tonight.
- We left soon after Campbell did. Robby and I did a little bit of delivering before we met the Wilsns for supper at Purple Cow. We had not been to that Purple Cow, and really, we probably haven't been to a Purple Cow in 15 or so years.
- We came home to relieve the dog sitters (Graham and Keaton). Now, we are sitting on the couch for the last little bit of the night!
February 18, 2026
- We did our school work this morning. Around 10 this morning, I started to wonder if I had let Campbell oversleep. She usually always wakes up on her own, but I wasn't sure if she had done her school last night or not, so I did go up to wake her up. She had done her work. so she kind of scowled at me.
- Campbell and Graham go to work a bit early on Wednesday afternoon so they can come home early in time for church. When it was time to go, Keaton started telling me that it was time to leave. I went outside, and Campbell and Keaton were standing by the white car. They then told me that they were riding with Graham who would leave in a few minutes.
- That was fine, but then I was leaving for church earlier than I really needed to. I had to go to the library, but I am find not being at church early so I took my time and even thought about looking around for books.
- I haven't been reading too much lately. I try, but I just get a bit distracted. I'm still listening to my books when I walk, but maybe because I'm crocheting again now, I'm struggling to finish a book.
- After church Campbell and Graham went to ChickFilA, but Keaton and Whitman picked up their sandwiches. Keaton started eating while we were driving home and had a bit of an accident with her ketchup-as in she squeezed it, and it went all over her shirt, face, and hair. It was quite the ride home!
February 17, 2026
- Campbell did her school last night again so she wasn't really around this morning much. Actually, I usually don't see her in the mornings until she comes and finds me so I can check her things and do our little bit of work together.
- This was also the second morning that Graham was awake, and I didn't have to wake him up. He had a good bit of school to do right now with a paper and test coming up so he is working on those.
- I did see Keaton and Whitman this morning; we did our morning reading, and then they did their work. It was almost noon when I finished my part in most of the school work for the day.
- Campbell washed both dogs-this is an undertaking for sure. Bentley is a little harder to wash because of her size and also because she stands there and looks incredibly pitiful breaking your heart during a bath.
- I dried Bentley while Campbell started on Marley. The bathroom, laundry room, and my closet are all still probably wet from Bentley shaking and rolling around trying to get dry herself. I even used the hair dryer until we were both tired, and she was still soaking wet. She probably is still wet, and I know the whole house smells like wet dog.
- Marley's bath didn't take nearly as long, and when Campbell dried her she was pretty dry. Between all of the dog drying, we did have to wash and dry a load of towels.
- This afternoon was kind of quiet-I tried to do a few things for school next year and organize my school room closet a bit, but I just really did a tiny bit of each of those things. Robby brought home some supper tonight, and Keaton talked about making a dessert, but she hasn't yet so it might be ice cream tonight!
February 16, 2026
- Robby was off on this President's Day, but the rest of us had to wake up and do school. Well, Campbell didn't have to wake up early because she did most of her school work last night. Keaton and Whitman were fairly awake this morning when we read, and then we moved on to their own work.
- I had a bit of time to work on things around the house while everyone did their school work. Then it all got busy as I was helping Campbell and Keaton finish their school work. Whitman was the last to finish today-he again offered to finish earlier for a payment.
- Campbell and Graham went to work this afternoon. While they were gone, I walked both dogs-not at once-we are not near there yet. It will be a while, but I think that Ms. Marley is getting a little bit more tolerable, but I don't want to jinx it by saying it out loud.
- I made manicotti for supper tonight, and Campbell delivered some supper to Nonna and Pops. I also made peanut butter cookies from my cook book. I have now made all of the easy recipes from the book!
- Robby ran a few errands tonight so I had a short nap and then text with Reagan for a little bit. She is pretty convinced that it is gluten upsetting her tummy-so maybe I need to be researching a few gluten free recipes.
February 15, 2026
- Our power came on around 1:30 last night which gave our watched and phones plenty of time to charge so that was good, and most importantly it allowed us to take hot showers before church. I had worship care this morning so I missed big church, but Robby said he and Grannymom sat right in the middle of all of the kids from Big Chill.
- After Sunday school, we loaded the van up with Whitman and his things from the weekend and drove to pick up the pizza for our Sunday lunch at Nonna and Pops' house. Nonna did say that having her knee done was the worst thing ever, but I think that she is doing pretty well. We tried not to stay too incredibly long because we didn't want to exhaust her, because the kids were exhausted, and because big church, Sunday school, and Sunday lunch is a long kennel stay for Marley still.
- When we came home, I jerked 4 laundry baskets out into the mudroom for each kid to fill up their own basket. I'm not sure why I have really just discovered this trick, but it is life changing. I do each person's laundry, quickly fold it since it all goes to one person, and then pile it back in the laundry basket for them to put up. It works splendidly. I still have Campbell's clothes in the dryer so they may not get folded tonight which is ok. I have a few sleeping bags to wash tomorrow too.
- This afternoon went by quickly-mainly because I was napping. Robby and I left a few minutes before Campbell. She went to Rock Creek for church tonight. Graham was going to go, but he was exhausted. Robby and I went to church for a good ole hymn singing night. It made Robby and I miss Sunday night church.
- We all met back up at the Wilson's house for our Sunday supper. The kids came for a little bit, and then headed home. We visited with the Wilsons before coming home and ending our weekend.
February 14, 2026
- Robby took Marley to the bathroom this morning when she started to whine. Then he promptly put her back in her kennel so we could rest a bit longer on this Saturday morning. When she woke up again, I started with a few chores.
- When Marley went to sleep the next time, Robby and I left the house. We ran a few errands before and after, but our first stop was the Croissanteire. We had to wait in line outside, but it was worth the wait...I guess. We still haven't yet eaten all of our food that we bought.
- We had scrambled eggs with all the meats plus a croissant and gravy. Robby ordered us an extra croissant so we ate all of that. The croissants were good, but honestly Sams' croissants are just as good.
- We also bought a cookie dough croissant, a turtle croissant, and a cream cheese danish. Our plan was eat them tonight but since the power went off at 8, we weren't able to warm them up. Do not fear though, Robby picked brownies and cookies at the Walmart plus we topped those with ice cream, so we were still able to have our snacks.
- This afternoon Robby and I were out a good deal, so we had to hurry back to let Marley outside. She was fine and happy to see us. We spent our afternoon sitting on the couch-I read and crocheted, and it was a perfect day.
- We had last night's leftovers for our snack, and later in the evening Robby ran a few more errands. While he was gone, I was watching the beginning of the basketball game when the power blinked a few times and went off. It had already blinked today, and I just kind of had a feeling that it would go off though I'm not sure why because we haven't lost our power in a long while.
- I lit candles and gathered all the flashlights. Bentley followed me for a little bit, and then she went to our room and laid on the my bed. However, Marley was a little spooked-she stayed right near me chewing on her toy.
- Robby made it home, and we had our snacks. Now, he is going to take a shower upstairs and I may do the same-we are hoping there is still plenty of hot water up there.
February 13, 2026
- Normally, we are able to sleep in a little bit on a Friday, but we all heard Bentley barking early this morning. I'm not sure if Bentley was upstairs with Graham when she was barking or if he had already opened his door so she could go downstairs. Either way, she was not happy about something.
- Bentley not being happy about something woke us up and Marley up. Marley started whining to go out, so I went ahead and started my day. Of course when I leave the bed, Marley can hear me so then she really fusses while I go to the bathroom and find my pants and shoes.
- I had plenty to do this morning so getting up wasn't that bad. Robby ran to ChickFilA to pick up our free breakfast sandwiches. When he came home, I text everyone to tell them that breakfast had arrived, and even though it was fairly early, all the kids trickled down stairs.
- There was lots of packing happening today plus we left at 11 to go and see Nonna and Pops. I took ham and cheese croissants and pigs in a blanket (which I burned) to make there. Everyone was able to visit and see that Nonna was on the mend (kind of since getting a new knee is no joke.)
- When we left there, we went to Walmart next. Taking boys shopping is never fun because they want to be finished very quickly. I tried to prepare them because I knew that Campbell was buying a birthday gift with many little pieces, but she showed up where we were just a few seconds after Graham and Whitman picked out their candy.
- When we all came home, Graham went with me to meet Robby and pick up the mini van since it had a little bit of work done on it. Then it was time for the kids to go-they did leave early so they could stop at Sonic on the way.
- This weekend is Big Chill for the middle schoolers (Keaton and Whitman), and the high schoolers help lead the weekend. Graham is one of the boys in charge of the 8th grade boys while Campbell is on the production team getting things ready and set up.
- Robby and I ran some errands tonight. Then we found supper at Chilis and even found some dessert in the ice cream section at Kroger before heading home.
February 12, 2026
- Campbell and Keaton went to Mother's Day Out this morning; they even left the house early so they could run by ChickFilA to get some free breakfast sandwiches. Plus they were all dressed out in their pink and red because today was their Valentine parties.
- Whitman and I did our work together this morning, and then he asked if I was going to pay him a dollar to get his school done before lunch. I told him that I would not be paying for school, and he finished around 5.
- Graham slept a bit late, and then he went on a run. Pretty much he did everything he could do except for his school work. He has a paper coming up that he hasn't started working on yet, so that will be a priority next week.
- Whitman and I were walking out of the house to take Marley to the vet when we realized that Robby just got home. He drove us to the vet, and it took us about 11 minutes for our appointment. Marley is now 24 pounds, and he said that she was fine to start going on walks.
- As soon as we came home, I took that little puppy on a walk to the end of our driveway. We have a lot of leash work to do though. She did really well walking away from the house, but then she just got plumb crazy on the walk back towards the house.
- I dropped her off and tucked her into bed, and then left for a real walk with Bentley. She enjoyed our walk so much that she didn't want to go up the driveway towards the house. Though when I did get her near the house, I quickly dropped her off also. My walks are a lot quicker with just me because I don't stop to use the bathroom on the side of the road.
- The girls got home with lots of Valentine's treats-Keaton even got a 25 dollar gift card. I never got my teachers a Valentine growing up-things have certainly changed. They were home for a bit, but then they left again to go back to church to work tonight.
- After Whitman and I packed for his Big Chill retreat this weekend, Graham and I picked up and left to meet Robby at Graham's basketball game. Graham's team won by 2 points-they had been ahead by 8, but lost the lead in the last little bit making the last bit of the game stressful.
- We ran to David's Burgers to get supper on the way home for two reasons. First, Robby and I had a burger from David's last week, and it was delicious. The other reason that we went to David's was because after last weeks game, Robby picked Graham up two burgers from Wendy's, and they were the sorriest, smallest burgers that we had ever seen. Robby felt like he needed to make up for those burgers!