September 7, 2012

Field Trip Friday!

(click here for today's pictures)

• Last night as we were outside, Robby had the fire blazing and a deer ran across the yard.  We were all standing there and saw it go across.  The kids asked why it was running and Robby said that it must have gotten scared.  Anderson added "it was scared because of the forest fire."  We had to explain that our burn pile was no forest fire.
• Working in the yard last night wiped the kids out and everyone was still snoozing after 7.  Graham was the first one up but stopped in the toy room before coming downstairs and then Keaton woke and had her bottle in our bed.
• The kids had Nonna's banana bread for breakfast.  Anderson told me that I just had to get the recipe for that.  I guess that I should make it more often.  Graham so wanted me to give some to Keaton and when I told him there wasn't enough for her too, he took some of his bread and gave it to her.  He also told me that Nonna not only had banana bread but also had strawberry bread (but that Nonna didn't let him have any of that).
• We were able to leave at 8:45 just liked planned and on the way Anderson said "Why'd you trade our old house?"  It took me awhile to figure out why he brought this up and the reason apparently was when we lived at Gamble we didn't smell skunks like we do now when we leave the house.  
• The Dennies met us at the Historic Arkansas Museum and they were told that there was no tour on Fridays.  I was so disappointed but we still went ahead and paid.  Well come to find out, there isn't a tour on Fridays but it was still what I would call a tour.  I guess since we had about 7 character guides instead of one person it wasn't really considered a tour.  Whatever it was, it was wonderful and the kids were absolutely perfect.
• We saw gardens and the kids picked a banana pepper.  The guide passed out cotton to everyone and Reagan now wants to plant a cotton bush.  We saw a printing press, a fence growing out of some type of prickly tree, learned about an outhouse and even tried out a corn husk broom.  
• I was so very impressed and the kids seemed to really enjoy it.  Now for my Campbell that was a lot of walking and a lot of being quiet.  By the end, each time we would stop she would just sit down on the floor.  After we looked in the gift shop, Campbell brought up needing to go potty and was still as dry as she could be.  Amazing child to teach herself when to go potty-I guess when it is time it is really time.  
• Keaton was a perfect child as well.  She sat in her stroller pretty much the entire time and was fine when we had to put her back in each time we came from an upstairs house.  She was so happy to get to try out one of the old timey beds and just grinned.  
• As we were finishing, Robby walked over and met us.  Then he walked with us to the rivermarket to eat.  I had chicken fried rice and the kids split a piece of pizza.  Then they each had shaved ice.  I believe that they ate those icees for at least 30 minutes.  We didn't leave until every last drop of everyone's was gone.  Then we said goodbye to Grannymom and Grandpa and walked across the street to catch the trolley.  Robby had already left to meet his work people for a birthday lunch.  
• We waited and waited on the trolley to arrive.  The kids were patient and thankfully there was a bench in the shade that we waited on.  Eventually (after about 30 minutes) it did come and we started our trip.  
• Us waiting did work out well for Robby who was able to meet us when he finished his lunch.  Though he had to walk briskly to find our next trolley stop and then the trolley driver didn't stop.  Robby was standing by the sign and I asked "isn't this a stop?" and she replied "no one was there."  I explained that yes, my husband was there but she pointed him to the next stop just a block away.  Robby thought for sure that the driver wouldn't stop again if he wasn't there so he booked it to that stop.  Needless to say, he was a sweaty mess when he boarded the trolley.  But the kids were so happy to see him again.  
• We rode across the river and then back across before we hopped out.  Robby got us to our car and then we passed out juiceboxes and cookies to everyone (I had bought my cookies at the river market for 25 cents apiece-pretty good deal).  We dropped Robby off and then headed home.  
• By the time we made it home, I looked back and had 4 asleep.  Thankfully two of them were just kidding, so I only had two to lift out of the van and haul to their beds.  
• Everyone else watched a movie for a bit and I rested up since I hear the plan tonight is to work in the yard again.  Then the doorbell rang and the neighbor kids were ready to play so we all eventually ventured out.
• While we were putting our shoes on, I heard terrified screams coming from the kids.  I could tell something was coming in the garage and assumed it must have been a black bear or a copperhead from the screams.  But when I looked up it was just our 80 year old dog Belle limping into the garage.    Her cord was broken so she had wondered up to us.  Campbell and Graham had already found their way into the house by the time I got up.  
• My favorite part of the day was when Graham then came out of the front door to check on where Belle was and he ended up face to face with her.  I really didn't see this happen-I only saw a flash and could tell that it was Graham running back into the house.
• I finally found a rope and tied it to Belle and then the kids were walked by Belle all through the yard.  They loved it and Belle and the kids got quite a bit of exercise.  Robby eventually made it home and we all worked in the yard until it was almost dark.  
• While outside Keaton was playing with her empty bottle and would throw it down for Campbell to pick up.  Campbell would scold her about holding on to her bottle and Keaton would just giggle.  Those two girls are going to be a mess someday.  
• The kids helped me pick up sticks and rocks, had fun swinging, pulling each other in the wagon, ate a few popsicles, played with bubbles and rode their bikes in the driveway for a bit.  Then it was time for come in and shower off.
• We had supper and then went to bed.  During prayer time last night, Robby was praying and Campbell was imitating the last few words of his sentences and then Campbell busted out with "thank you I peepee in the potty."  And yes, thank you God that Campbell is peepeeing in the potty! 

September 6, 2012

Keaton has started taking her 1st steps!

(click here for today's pictures)
(click here for a quick video of Keaton walking!)

• Before 7, the upstairs crew was going strong-fighting and fussing.  Graham was eventually called downstairs to sit in a chair and be quiet while everyone else rested for the last 4 minutes before 7.  Those last 4 minutes of quietness are just the best!  
• Robby then went upstairs to get everyone ready while I headed to the shower.  Campbell started off the morning dry and then pottied off and on pretty much all day.  It is funny how things just click in their little minds.
• Graham went to school and must have had a good day there because he said that school was the best part of his day.  Though Nonna picking him up must have ranked pretty high as well.  They had some banana bread (Graham had asked Nonna for some last week), made fresh squeezed orange juice, played with play doh and even had a nap.  We were about to go and pick him up when Nonna called saying he was sleeping so he was able to stay until Pops had to head to see Beebee.  Poor guy though has a rash all over his little body-hopefully cream and benedryl tonight will take care of it.
• When Robby brought the other 4 home this afternoon, Keaton was sound asleep.  She had had a big morning practicing her WALKING!  She had an afternoon nap and then sat contently in the stroller while we worked in the yard.  But tonight after a bit more practice, Robby and I decided that we can officially call that girl a walker!  She so enjoyed walking back and forth to Robby and me tonight.  I bet that by her birthday she will really be walking well.
• Reagan and Anderson did school this afternoon and did wonderfully.  Sometimes it is nice doing school with just them-they can get their stuff done so much quicker but it is much more fun (and challenging) when everyone else is around and awake.  Anderson was really gotten into coloring lately and was so excited when I told him that he could color as I read history.
• After school we all joined Robby outside-he had been working/burning off and on all day long.  We were all picking up sticks when Reagan said "why are we doing all of this work?"  I had to remind her that there is going to be a big party at our house in a few days.  She quickly figured out who's party I was talking about and started picking up sticks as fast as she could.  
• Our yard looked like a war zone after the storms from last week but after picking up sticks and Robby using his leaf/stick picker upper on his mower the yard looks pretty good.  Actually it looks really good and it won't take him long to mow and clean up some more before Reagan's party.
• Oh, the kids were hot and hungry tonight.  They helped us for a bit, all had a turn on the tractor, spent some time swinging, ate a popsicle and stayed outside pretty much until we came in.  Once inside, everyone had showers-Keaton started off in the little shower and then crawled herself towards the other shower and then turned around and headed back to where she was.  She was promptly put in the shower that had a door on it!
• Supper, movie and bed were what was up next!  Good busy day!

September 5, 2012

Studying the Earth!

(click here for today's pictures)

• This morning started out pretty much like usual.  I really can't even remember what all happened before breakfast.  I do remember the boys asking me if they could watch a movie during breakfast and then getting out of my shower to see that they had convinced their Daddy to turn one on for them.
• Campbell was ready for me to get Keaton's clothes on her this morning-probably because she wore her pajamas all day yesterday.  But I was just making up for the night before that when she went to sleep in her clothes.  I do think she actually prefers being only in her diaper all day long.
• And speaking of diapers-my Campbell is just about to potty train herself.  Seriously!  If she hears or sees someone else going potty, she will dart in there and try to get on the potty before they do and then have a fit screaming that she needs to go potty now.  Don't get me wrong-we aren't close to wearing big girl underwear but she probably potties in the potty half of the time now.  Maybe it will happen by three.
• We did our school this morning and then I finally got around to letting them do one activity I had been telling them about-we made the layers of the earth with playdoh.  They were so proud of themselves and then played with the playdoh for at least an hour.  I really should pull the playdoh out more often-though it is a huge mess to clean up.  
• And speaking of cleaning up-I now feel like I am a teacher all morning, a maid in the afternoon and then an exhausted old lady at night.  Ha!  Around 4 today, I started getting everyone ready to go to church-I truly think that Awana is the best program that our church does.  Truly outstanding-they all have a blast but more importantly they learn so many Bible verses.  Every child should go to Awana (now stepping off soapbox).....but all that to say, Wednesday nights are the hardest night of the week.    We have to leave so early and rush all afternoon and then gobble down supper.  And then we get home late and the kids are wired, hungry and not ready to go to sleep.  Now despite all of that Awana is still worth it and I do feel better now that I am finished complaining!
• The kids all did great at church tonight-Reagan was happy to be back in Sparks and it was all new to Anderson and he told me all about the games that they played on the way home.  Graham is now the big boy on his side and was pleased to have me outside his room working.  Campbell had a snack, made a craft and even saw puppets (featuring Robby as the voice as Cubbie and me as the voice of the elephant and the zebra.)  Keaton did fine in her class and was swinging and drinking a bottle when I came to pick her up.
• Back at home, everyone had a snack and some milk before heading to bed.  Campbell informed us that she wanted to sleep in Reagan's bed tonight-that request was denied and she was not happy with us at all.

September 4, 2012

Skating by the rail!

(click here for today's pictures)

• Graham arrived in our bed around 6 this morning and then we all slept until 7:30.  Then everyone started stirring and Graham got ready for school.  We all had breakfast and then Robby loaded Graham up.  Campbell was pretty upset that she didn't get to buckle up Graham's seat belt so Robby asked if she wanted to go with them and of course she did (Robby was working from home so he was coming back to the house).
• As soon as they left, I finished cleaning the kitchen and cleaning Keaton-that child is a messy eater! And then we started school.  Time just flew by because we were not finished when the doorbell rang. I thought it was the plumber but had forgotten that it was time for Nonna to come over so I could run to work. 
• Campbell wanted to play upstairs with Nonna and Reagan and Anderson were busy coloring flags when I left.  On my way home from work, I picked up Graham and I think he had a good day.  Though on his way out of the building he put his paper on his head and got glue in his hair.  I am sure this caused some type of scene because he said later "everyone laughed at me."  Graham is Mr. Sensitive but was soon happy and talking about his day.
• We came home and I heated up leftovers for all of us.  While I was doing this, Graham and Reagan fussed, fought and feuded.  It was like he was having a hard time adjusting to being home or she was having a hard time adjusting to him being back in the mix.  Either way, it wasn't pretty.
• After lunch, Nonna went home and we tried to finish school (almost but didn't make it).  Then I scrambled around putting Keaton and Campbell to bed while whispering to the others to potty, comb hair and get their shoes on.  Then we headed to the Terry library for homeschool story time.  
• Story time was good-read a few books about gun (fiction and nonfiction), tried gum and made a craft.  Next week someone from Pinnacle Mountain is coming to the story time.  It was good for the kids and they have a zillion books at that library compared to Rooker's 12 books that they have.  But that library is so, so far away now.  
• But after the library, I pulled into the skate place and the kids were so excited.  Reagan asked if we were going skating for her birthday.  I didn't think quickly enough to say that we were.  We paid for our skating and grabbed our skates.  It had been awhile since Reagan and Anderson had skated and that was obvious.  By the end, they still clung to the wall but were at least picking up speed.  Graham has only skated once before and my, my, my, next time we go I think I will need to wear shin guards and boots.  It took me and the wall to hold him up and I am betting that my back will be killing me in the morning.  
• They did have fun though and the boys probably sweated buckets.  Reagan went around a few more times than the boys but they were so excited to take their skates off and go and look at the video games.  
• Back at home, when Keaton and Campbell woke from their nap they had lots of Daddy time.  Campbell asked where we were and Robby said we were running errands.  That appeased Campbell and she then asked to play on Robby's ipad.  She found the videos and watched a few over and over of the kids dyeing Easter eggs.  Then she found a game with some animals on it.  After "playing" that for a bit, she told Robby "let's go to the zoo.  I will get my shoes."  She didn't seem to mind too much about missing to the zoo but she did ask me when we got home if we were going to the zoo.  We will have to plan a zoo trip very soon for Campbell.
• I brought supper home with us and then after we ate, Robby ran to the Stotts' to work on their computers.  I worked here doing laundry and then read the kids a zillion books before tucking them in.  Then the dishes and treadmill for me.  Now that Robby is home I am going to try to convince him to eat a snack with me!

September 3, 2012

Reagan's 1st Cheerleading Practice

(click here for today's pictures)

• Graham was the first one up and soon both boys were in our bed.  This didn't take too long for this to urge me to go ahead and get out of bed and start cooking-I made brownies and apple enchiladas for lunch today.
• The kids had breakfast and even a few minutes to play before we did a bit of school-yes, even on Labor day (we are going to take Friday off).  We had time for phonics, math and one other thing before it was time to start getting ready.
• It is nice that the kids can all work together and help out (gather all of the towels, find the bathing suits,   remind me of things).  Of course this all happens much more smoothly when the kids have a goal in mind-like go swimming.  
• Pretty much as soon as we let everyone out of the car at the Stotts, the kids were in the pool.  This time I did remember a hat for Keaton-that girl loves the water and didn't mind missing her morning nap to stay in the water.
• Then we had lunch and the kids went upstairs to play-they all even had turns playing a video game with Austin and spent lots of time playing in Kennedy's room.  They were so quiet up there that I eventually thought that Campbell had fallen asleep.  She had not and was playing hard.
• On the road home, we stopped for slushes to try to keep everyone awake but Campbell still managed to go to sleep with her slush in her hand.  At home, Campbell and Keaton had a short, short nap and Graham rested for about half a second before coming to watch me do spelling with Reagan and Anderson.  
• Then it was time to scurry around to load up again for football and cheer leading practice.  The boys were excited but Reagan was beyond excited for her first practice.  She was so happy-and sweaty when practice was over.  She said her cheers over and over tonight-so much so that Campbell started chanting some version of them back.  
• The boys did good in practice tonight despite the heat.  They caught the ball fairly well (well, as well as can be expected).  Nonna, Pops and Jason even showed up to check out everyone's practices for a few minutes.  After practice, the kids had a snack and cooled off before we climbed in the van and had supper on the way home (pb and j).
• At home, everyone had their showers and then the Sunday ice cream truck swang through the kitchen and everyone had their pick of ice cream before bed.

September 2, 2012

Reagan's 1st 7th birthday celebration!

(click here for today's pictures)

• Church morning and we were there in time to sit in the car for a few minutes before going in.  Robby and I kind of like a few minutes of peace before an hour or two of chaos but the kids do not like sitting in the car at all!  This is torture for them-absolute torture.
• Reagan still loves going to her "dance party" Sunday school class and Campbell is still walking in to her class without a problem.  Though she did take out her barrette in the car and her teacher (probably thinking the child looked pitiful) had to put a rubber band in her hair.  I asked Campbell if she told her teacher that her Momma did fix her hair this morning and that she left her barrette in the car.  Campbell at first said that she did and then changed her answer to "maybe not."
• Anderson's favorite part of church is having a cookie with Mr. Mike after Sunday school.  And I believe that Graham's favorite part is going to Sunday school with Robby and me.  I do say that my Grahamer boy is the best behaved and smartest child in the class.
• Church was fine today-Graham snoozed a bit and for the first time in weeks Anderson didn't ask if church was almost over.  After church, we ran to Walmart so I could make another cake like we had on Friday.  My plan was to make apple enchiladas but I was over ruled by Robby and the kids who loved my cake from the other night. 
• We had lunch at Nonna and Pops' house and the kids devoured their fruit and we even began the month long celebration of Reagan's 7th birthday.  Nonna had made a huge birthday cupcake and Reagan was pretty excited that her birthday celebration is now beginning-she didn't realize that her birthday is that close!
• At home this afternoon, the little girls had a nap and the others played and played with their legos while I did a bit of cooking and Robby did a bit of cleaning.  They eventually watched a movie or two.  Campbell knew we were having company tonight and when she woke up from a nap she saw the legos in the toy room and said "we have to clean those up."  And then she helped me pick up all of the legos-sweet little thing.  
• Now Keaton woke up from her nap in a pretty fussy mood.  Every time I would walk past the fridge she would fuss-I eventually realized that she thought she needed a bottle.  She did perk up a bit when the Hugheys came over for supper.  She likes staring at people and was thrilled when I gave her a plate of strawberries.  
• We had leftovers from Friday night plus a few new things and Louanne brought some yummy dip.  The kids were on their best behavior and were thrilled when Jordan went upstairs to play with them for a bit-I think that had a massive nerf gun war.  Robby should have actually paid Jordan for her baby sitting services.  
• The kids were all tired from their nerf gun war and at bedtime they all went right to bed-love nights like that!

September 1, 2012

Making breakfast with Dad!

(click here for today's pictures

• Since we had fresh eggs from the Atwoods' chickens, we decided that a worthy breakfast was needed this Saturday morning.  Graham and Campbell were up and helped Robby make the biscuits.  Then Campbell also helped me crack an egg-don't think that I have ever instructed her on how to crack eggs.  Her method was to hold it over the bowl and squeeze-the eggs were a bit crunchy! (actually, I expected her to do this and did catch the egg and shell in my hand).
• Keaton woke up mid-cooking and enjoyed watching all of the action.  Reagan and Anderson were sleeping soundly until Graham went to tell them that "breakfast is being served in the main dining room" (how Robby's grandpa would wake him up for breakfast).  They really stirred when Graham mentioned that Robby was putting slices of our leftover cake from last night on their plates.  
• Everyone seemed to enjoy their breakfast-especially the cake but the eggs were a hit too.  Graham even said that they were better than Nonna's eggs.  The kids are now interested in getting some chickens but Anderson was quick to tell everything that we would have to do-feed them, gather the eggs, clean the coup.  Maybe we could just buy some chickens and let the Atwoods raise them for us.
• After breakfast, the kids played and we really didn't do a whole lot.  Reagan did help me go through a bushel of clothes from Laryn.  We worked and worked and worked-Campbell even got into the act but Reagan was adamant that she had to look at all of the clothes before I folded them and put them into the correct pile.
• Before too long, it was lunch time and we had our sandwiches.  After a bit, we read our science and history since we skipped it yesterday.  And then we tried to color on hot rocks like I had seen on the internet but my rocks were black so it was hard to see the melted wax (but it did kill some Saturday afternoon time so that was fine by me).  This was actually part of our geography lesson-our hot rocks were like the inner core of the earth which is solid iron and hotter than the sun (things you learn homeschooling your kids!)
• Soon the boys went outside for a bit to play football but Anderson shortly came in saying it was too hot.  I questions him trying to remind him of what really hot was but he was in for good.  Reagan ventured out too but went in when Graham did.  That left Campbell and me outside and she did convince me to get on my shoes and push her on the swing for a few minutes.  By the time, Robby was emerging from the man cave and loaded the big four up to get icees.  In an effort for me to have a nap, he ended up taking them to Sonic and to Grannymom's house to drink their drinks.
• When they came home, they went to the grassy area on the lower part of the yard to throw the football around some.  Robby said that the boys only wanted to play keep away and not catch but they did manage to play a bit.  Then everyone came in and we started showers-boys in the little shower tonight and the girls in the big shower.  While they were washing, I cut Robby's hair and then washed everyone up while Robby was cleaning up and gathering pajamas (you know the Duggars have a big closet with everyone's clothes in it and sometimes I think that may be a pretty good idea).
• Then we had supper during the little thunderstorm tonight.  The wind was blowing the rain sideways and it was just hitting the kitchen window like crazy.  The wind even blew open our kitchen door-guess I didn't shut it all of the way.  When it opened, Keaton's eyes were huge and she just kept starting at it.  It was quite the storm and we all just sat eating and staring out of the windows.
• I then took the kids upstairs to clean the toy room so Robby could listen to some of the game in peace.  Then we read a few books before bedtime.  I somehow have about 50 library books checked out and we have gotten out of the habit of reading them.  I read our Bible stories, Magic Tree house and a Little House on the Prairie book during lunch but often run out of time for library books when I should do it more because they all sat crazy still listening-well, all but Campbell!