October 7, 2012

3 Big Kids!

(click here for today's pictures)

• A few things from yesterday: We didn't have any pictures of the afternoon or the new sweet ride because the camera battery died.  As Robby was getting out of the big van last night and I was about to drive it home, the boys shouted at him and Anderson said "can Momma drive this thing?"  We made it home but tomorrow will be my first full day to drive the van all day (a bit nervous about that!-that thing is huge!)
• Everyone woke up in a good mood this morning and they all enjoyed white donuts for breakfast.  Actually we finished off the entire bag and poor Keaton didn't get any at all.  Don't worry too much about her because she was given something else.
• This morning when the kids opened the door into the house, Graham shouted "it is like a monster van in here."  Needless to say we are still getting used to the mammoth vehicle.  But enough of that!
• We had church this morning and everyone went to their classes without a fuss.  Reagan said that her Sunday school teachers were in Niagara Falls-made me want to go back there.  Anderson even sang along some in big church.  Graham is the cutest kid in his class.  Campbell made a picture of her family going to church-there were 7 of us all crammed inside of a line drawing of a church.  And my Keaton was all snuggled up resting when I picked her from her class.  
• We had lunch at Grannymom's house and despite the cool weather, the kids really enjoyed playing.  Campbell asked if she could spend the night and she stayed all afternoon and is spending the night with Grannymom and Grandpa.  We saw her at church tonight and she could have cared less about seeing us!  
• Back at home this afternoon, Robby worked on the garage and I worked on the house for a bit.  Keaton had her nap and the other kids played outside until it was time to shower off before church.  We made it to choir on time and Robby, Keaton and I hung out at the coffee shop eating cookies until church time.
• During church Anderson said that his tummy hurt and I was afraid that he was going to hurl all through church but finally realized he was just starving to death and wearing pants that were too tight.  Both boys fell asleep during church and Reagan was about there but when we mentioned ice cream truck arriving at home soon, everyone perked up.  That is there favorite part of Sundays.

October 6, 2012

Our New Van!

(click here for today's pictures)

• Days at this Dennie house are sometimes a little wild and unplanned but today was wild, unplanned and downright nuts!  (and we loved every minute of it!)  So here is what all went down:
• The kids woke up at 7:04 and all were climbing out of bed when I made my way up there.  Now Anderson had already woken up at Nonna's house at 4:37.  He saw the clock and said "it's 7"-close but we do read from left to right.
• I do my best to plan ahead-last night I had laid out uniforms for the game, ice chest and hot chocolate also, clothes for this afternoon and even Sunday clothes.  The plan as I knew it was to come home briefly to change clothes and then head back out again after the game.  But after the kids had eaten breakfast and were putting on their shoes, Robby changed the plans...
• This involved me and him running (yes, literally running) through the house-gathering clothes for this afternoon, packing up Kennedy's bag, getting dry socks and shoes for after the game, grabbing snacks, throwing clothes in the dryer-absolute craziness.  
• We made it to the football field on time but we weren't exactly early.  They weren't running through the tunnel today because of the wet areas.  My boys were on fire today!  Graham received a hand off and ran a few yards (not really sure if those few yards were forwards or backwards!)  He had told Nonna earlier in the week that he "just couldn't get a flag" and she encouraged him to run a little bit faster.  Well, today, that little guy got himself a flag!  He was so proud and wanted to tell everyone.  
• And my Anderson caught a pass and ran a few yards (the right way) before someone grabbed his flag.  Though his flag was sticking way out-next week the flags will be slightly in front of them and the next week a bit of super glue may be used!  Nah, I wouldn't really do that (or at least I wouldn't write about it on the blog!)
• The other coach was a bit too into the game today.  He called one of players out of bounds as he was running for a touchdown.  I will give him that it was hard to see since he was on the other side of the field but whatever-we still counted that touchdown.  And Anderson might have been doing some of that "new" math when he counted the score at 5-4 but as long as they have fun (and think we won!)
• Now, Reagan is becoming my little cheerleader.  Seriously, she is the only one that you can hear.  Nonna and I were surprised that she wasn't hoarse after the game.  She knows the moves, knows the cheers and enjoys every second of it.  I wish she didn't like cheerleading so much, but she does!
• Kennedy and Campbell watched Reagan through out the game.  They moved their chairs from field to field following her around.  Nonna and I watched Reagan most of the game as well-actually, I don't think that any of the rest of us ever set down.  It was too cold to sit down.  Keaton was all bundled up and enjoyed being passed around.  And the rest of us just wanted to stay warm so we kept moving.  Even though it was freezing, my hot chocolate was still too hot to drink-it was still hot during the afternoon and I even bet it is still warm right now (still outside in the car-hey, I got most of the stuff out of the car but I can't remember it all.)
• After the game, we passed on the celebratory icees (since it was ice cold outside) and switched car seats out.  Keaton was put in Pops' truck and the rest of us headed downtown.  At the Clinton library, the kids in uniforms (all 4 of mine) changed in the van.  Kennedy was the only one not needing to change her clothes.  Then we headed out to explore the fire safety stuff.
• Our first stop was setting in the big firetruck and the fireman even gave the kids firehats.  Then we got in line for a ride (little pirate ship) but they stopped it because the rain started-pretty hard sprinkle.  Thankfully, we had our umbrellas in the car and Robby ran to get them.  We usually never have any umbrellas but for some reason we both had our big umbrellas-worked out perfectly.  
• Then everyone got a try on the fair game where to swing the hammer to make the ball hit the bell.  It was quite a sight seeing all of the kids just try to lift the hammer.  Caroline and Alyssa Kate were there as well.  Then we picked up two frisbees-one of us and one for Kennedy.  Around the corner were jumpys but it was too wet and I had to tell the kids that we couldn't (heartbroken-but I didn't want for them to walk around for the rest of the day in wet socks).  
• We took a picture but an old timey fire truck and then had hot dogs and icees (free as well!).  I chose not to get an icee-since it was cold, cold and wet!  But the kids sure enjoyed theirs.  As we were leaving someone handed everyone tshirts so that was as added bonus.  And then the rain started and when I say started, I mean started!  
• We made it to the car before the bottom fell out and they stood under the tailgate and ate their icees.  When they finished, we all moved into the van and just sat and watched the rain and people running for awhile.  
• Our next stop was supposed to the the food trucks on Main street.  They were supposed to have something for the kids too but by then it was raining to hard to get the crew out-so Robby ventured out alone.  He grabbed me and him bbq and cheesy chips and frito chili pie and I passed out chips for the kids.  They were fine sitting in the car because the movie was on and I kept the food and drinks coming!
• Next up, Robby had to do a bit of shopping at Burger King so I then passed out fries to everyone and then we ran to another Burger King.  My kids are used to this Dennie mystery shopping madness but Kennedy said "why do we have to go to 2 Burger Kings."  Of course, the answer was-we like our fries!  
• By this time we were in Maumelle and Jodee came to pick up Kennedy and Robby ran into Walmart to pick up a few things.  One of those things being a big oil drip pan that I am going to use as a magnet board for the little ones to play with during school.  I get uncomfortable spending 11 dollars on such a spur of the moment purchase (remember that fact for what happens later in the day and as you mentally compare my spending habits to Robbys)
• Then we headed to Nonna's house to pick up Keaton who opted to stay warm and dry with Nonna and Pops.  But on the way we did stop at Chick fil a for milkshakes-living on the wild side.  At Nonna's house we let the kids get out and sat down for a few minutes.  Before too long, we were talking about the need for a new van.  Yes, 6 kids won't fit in the mini van so we knew that we would have to get a large, larger, much much larger van.  
• Pops asked Robby if he wanted to go and just look at vans.  And Robby took him up on it-and that is where I should just end the blog!  Ha!  They were gone for quite awhile.  I text and my question was "you buying one?" and the reply was "think so."  About an hour later, my new 15 passenger van pulled into Pops' driveway.  (Remember how I stressed about spending 11 dollars!)
• Anyway, we bought the van from one of Pops' friends and he shot straight and Robby felt good about the price so why wait.  Actually, Robby has said that the only thing that made him nervous about having baby number 6 was the process of buying a new van.  So now that is over!
• The kids were so excited about the van-we have rented one at least once on a trip so they felt immediately like they were going on a trip. I have them so spread out in that massive thing that can hardly talk to each other and I will have to do a head count every time I leave since there are so many empty seats (8 right now but will be only 7 after baby 6 arrives.  But we will take out the final row for added trunk space so that will only leave 3 extra seats-my, my, who can we take!)  
• Robby not only brought home the new van but he also brought home a pizza supper.  We ate and then  quickly loaded up to take Nonna for a spin around the block.  Then we headed to Grannymom's house to show her the new van.  
• Dana saw us in the neighborhood and stopped to see the van.  She said it was "pretty"-that might have been a liberal usage of the word "pretty."  I would classify it as functional, practical and humongous but probably not pretty.  Anyway, Grannymom, Grandpa, Dana, Lilly and Cash all loaded up with us for a spin around their neighborhood.  
• Then we went inside Grannymom's house for a bit.  By now the kids were pretty tired and mellow (Anderson had been up since 4:30, add a football game and cheering for the big 3 and no afternoon naps for the little 2).  We spent a while there and then headed back home.
• We made it home after 7 and had been gone for nearly 12 hours.  We sent the kids upstairs while we parked the van in the garage.  And IT FITS!  Woo hoo!  It fits barely with skillful driving!  Ha!  We will have to move the fridge and the freezer to the other side but that is fine.  Of course, we had gotten used to how the garage was arranged and it will take awhile to get used to things being different.  That is fine though-change is good!
• We tucked everyone in bed and they went to sleep fairly quickly.  Though the could hear us-Robby was working on getting the phone stuff set up in the new van and I was working on unpacking a van full of stuff (now when I say van full of stuff, I mean the mini van full of stuff.  If I were talking about the new van then I would still be unloading!)
• Robby and I even did a load of laundry and decided to sit down for the evening.  And just as soon as we sit down, Robby mentions moving the couch.  So before I knew it, we rearranged all of the furniture in the living room.  I have made my cookies, have my blanket and am settled into my new spot for the night.  Wonderfully, nutty day!

October 5, 2012

Orange Leaf Wants You!

(click here for today's pictures)

• The kids were busy talking before 7 and really this just starts my day on the wrong foot.  Ha!  After they got up, they soon were downstairs in my bed and they just kept talking.  Robby was upstairs running but everywhere I went to avoid the talking it just followed me!  
• We waved bye to Robby and then had our breakfast.  We did our memory work during breakfast and then started school.  Fridays are a bit lighter so we were done a bit after 11 so I started on my chores.  
• Then it was time for lunch and after lunch I asked the kids to put on their clothes and clean the toy room since Kennedy was coming over to play.  And you wouldn't believe it but they worked and worked on cleaning-I guess they just needed someone to come over and see that messy room.  Maybe we will have people come and play each day.  
• Graham did get his mouth washed out with soap today-he has started a lying a bit and did today.  I have had enough of that and today he learned that I was serious.  Graham's lie was telling Anderson that Nonna was hear already to pick him up and when Anderson looked out the window and didn't see Nonna, Anderson committed his wrong and knocked Graham out of the chair.  Don't worry, Anderson was punished as well (just not with soap).
• Soon Kennedy arrived and the kids went wild, nuts, crazy.  I don't know what it is about having someone come to the house but it causes everyone to lose their minds.  They eventually calmed down-when Keaton and Campbell went to bed and everyone calmed more when Anderson left with Nonna to spend the night with her and Pops.
• During nap time, the girls and Graham painted a bit and I worked on changing Keaton's clothes from a summer size that was getting too small to the right sized winter clothes.  After a bit of painting, they watched a movie and soon it was wake up time.
• I guess that I should learn to get Keaton out of bed after her nap as soon as I hear her, but I was busy working and she was just talking and not fussing so I let her be.  When I did go and get her, she had been a very busy little girl-shredding and eating a flashcard of the letter M.  Poor Graham will never be able to learn to read because he will never learn the letter M.  
• When Robby made it home, we loaded up to go out and eat pizza.  The kids were intrigued with the game room and enjoyed it-we told them that they could each have one quarter or we could go and eat ice cream next.  They picked ice cream.  Now while eating, Keaton spent her time waving and blowing kisses at all of the waitresses when they passed.  
• Anderson spent the evening with Nonna, Pops and Jason at Chuck E Cheese. Jason sent us some pictures and it looked like the little guy had a blast.  I am sure he was one tired boy by the time he went to bed.  
• Graham was so tired that he fell asleep on the way home but Kennedy and Reagan were going strong and ready to play more.  Campbell was hot on their heels-they helped put on Campbell's pajamas and seemed to enjoy having a little mannequin to play with.
• Big day tomorrow and it all depends on the weather-but tonight, I am going to pull out my hot chocolate and my snuggie!

October 4, 2012

Blue-eyed Girl!

(click here for today's pictures)

• So when we set down at night after tucking the kids in, we both have our computers and I play around on mine for a bit (pinterest and facebook) and then start on the blog.  By this time, Robby has finished watching the news and turns on some interesting show that I can't keep my eyes off.  So this means that I spend at least an hour trying to write the blog because I am so distracted.  I might should find a new place to work-a quiet place.
• This morning was work and school morning.  Everyone got ready fairly quickly and we all made it on time.  This was the first week in awhile that I hadn't come home after seeing my kids for work so Robby had all morning to work peacefully from home.  
• Reagan, Anderson, Campbell and Keaton spent the morning at Grannymom's house.  Everyone but Keaton did their school work this morning-I sent quite a bit today (at least the things that I don't like doing!-ha!)  Reagan was quite proud of her rocket ship that she made and Anderson was pleased that they had spent nearly all day outside.  
• Graham had school and then Nonna picked him up. In the church parking lot, the fireman were running the water out of the fire hydrant and Nonna stopped so they could watch it.  And soon Graham's friend was there too and everyone got out of their cars and climbed into the firetrucks for a look around.  Graham even got to wear a fireman's headset and hear real fireman talk-that was his high for the day!
• Back at home, Graham joined Reagan and Anderson as we finished up school.  The school highlight from today was measuring how big a leatherback sea turtle is-about 9 feet by 6 feet (if you were wondering).  
• Then everyone was sent outside for a few more minutes to enjoy the pretty weather before it turns chilly.  They swang, pulled Keaton in the wagon and played football.  It was nice that Robby was home because he just moved his self outside to work so I could do my zillionth load of laundry for the week.
• We then had lasagna and edemama for supper.  Anderson did not want to eat his 3 edamama that Robby had put on his plate so he refused and was sent to his room. He eventually returned to the table to munch on/gag on his 3 beans.  And when he finished those he did get the biscuit he really wanted.  Seriously, wonder where he gets that!  
• Then it was time for a quick movie for the big 4 while Keaton walked around the house grabbing remote controls, camera chips and scissors.  Robby gave the big kids some Starbursts and Keaton a cup of fruit loops. She wasn't too interested in eating them but had the biggest time carrying the cup, she would spill them, put them back in, and eventually eat a few.
• Finally it was time for bed and some how while my big kids were brushing a teeth a robe ended up in the potty-a robe that was hanging on a hook across the room.  That didn't end the evening to well!  Craziness!

October 3, 2012

Crazy Hair Night!

(click here for today's pictures)

• We are refinancing our house and had it appraised this morning.  So Robby was home for a bit while the appraisal guy walked through the house.  We had tried to explain that the man from the bank was going to take pictures of the house.  Question after question was asked and answered and eventually little Graham asked "is the bank man going to tell us that we have to move?"  We should have just gone with a lie like saying Daddy's friend is stopping by for a few minutes.  And no, the bank is not gong to take our house!
• School was fine today.  We managed to finish in time for lunch and even had time to work on our science box.  After every science chapter we are to make a few drawings to put in a box.  I think this is the 3rd or 4th chapter and our poor box is packed full.  I probably need to find myself a bigger box.  
• I can imagine after awhile that my Anderson will be moved out of the school room.  He is so distractable but when he is by himself or just with me he breezes through his work.  Maybe I should move his desk to my room...oh, but everyone else would just migrate to where he is.
• All 5 kids enjoyed spaghettios for lunch today-and they ate two cans.  I was a bit shocked by this especially when they asked for more after finishing off can #2.  Goodness, I am going to have start clipping my coupons more diligently!
• Soon it was lunch time and then we ended up outside blowing bubbles for awhile-at least until a bee started buzzing around Keaton's spaghettio stained clothes.  
• This afternoon went by quickly-Reagan worked on her birdhouse some, Anderson painted a lake with two people walking around it along with a strawberry bush (becoming quite the artist) and Graham painted his paper all blue.  
• Only let them have one piece of paper because soon it was time to start getting hair ready for crazy hair night at church.  The boys just needed hairspray to complete their look since their hair was cut yesterday.  But Reagan needed a few ponytails-20!  It took quite awhile but she was so excited and even told me thank you tonight.
• We were on time and I just had Keaton to wake up, change and put in the car and we would be on our way to see Beebee and Papaw's place.  Of course, Keaton had taken off her diaper and had also pooed.  Lovely.   I am afraid that she might have even had herself a snack!  Anyway, I threw Keaton in the shower with Anderson nearby to entertain, Reagan gathered clothes and diapers and Graham cleaned the pack n play outside and Campbell narrated everything that was happening to me ("Keaton crying Mommy," "Anderson have door open," "Graham spraying," and on and on it went).
• We still were leaving just 13 minutes later than planned.  Beebee and Papaw were quite entertained by the kids hair and the kids did well today.  Keaton even sat in Papaw's and then Beebee's laps briefly before showing off her new walking skills.
• At church tonight, the kids were so proud of their hair and everyone had a good evening.  We were going to let Graham wear his mohawk tomorrow but he wanted to cut it off so the boys had a quick hair cut on the driveway.  Robby quickly hosed them down and then it was bedtime for everyone.  

October 2, 2012

Almost solo on the tricycle!

(click here for today's pictures)

• Graham was ready to go to school this morning-maybe because we said that the rest of us were about to start homeschool!  Robby dropped Graham off and then had to come back home to pick up his wallet-I did offer to meet him somewhere but he declined.
• By this time, the five of us left at the house had finished breakfast and everyone was getting started on their schoolwork while I was getting ready for the day.  During school, I looked around-Anderson was doing math, Reagan was doing phonics, Campbell was matching shapes and Keaton was working on her walking.
• We had a few minutes before lunch for everyone to play and then we started lunch.  We were all sitting at the table and I was reading a Magic Tree House book.  I had just finished reading about Jack and Annie seeing a deer-like animal in their neighborhood and within a few minutes, Anderson was shouting "deer, deer" and running to the window.  
• We guess it was the momma deer about 15 feet from our back door.  She saw and heard the commotion of us coming to the door but still just stood and stared at us.  Eventually she darted off and  behind the tree was the little baby.  The baby ran off too but we hadn't been able to see it since it was blocked by the tree.  Reagan and Anderson were in awe and Campbell was terrified.  She cried "I don't want that deer to get me."  Anderson, trying to help out, said "don't worry, that was just a momma deer.  She can't break through the door, but the daddy can."  Later when we went outside to play, Campbell sat on the bench and said "I'll stay here so that deer doesn't get me."
• It took me awhile to get my stuff ready-Keaton dressed, Campbell re-dressed, socks for skating out, dishes up and garage sale stuff in the garage to be priced.  Reagan and Anderson played upstairs and Campbell helped me.  When I was finally finished, I moved to the garage to price some of my garage sale stuff and everyone else played outside.  Keaton was so happy being pulled in the wagon-and everyone didn't mind pulling her.
• Grannymom had picked Graham up from school and he had a big time-but the highlight of his day was painting a birdhouse that Grannymom had picked up for everyone.  Now everyone will be like Reagan and her birdhouse that she is still working on.  Around 2, we picked him up and dropped off Keaton and Campbell.  
• So Reagan, Anderson, Graham and I headed to the skating rink.  Today didn't even go as well as last time-Reagan was immediately fussy saying she couldn't do it.  Anderson just pulls himself along the wall with his hands and Graham can hardly stand up.  Trust me, we are quite a sight.  By the end, Graham could manage while holding on to the wall and my hand and Reagan could do fine just holding on to my hand.  After about 3 laps, the boys were done-and pretty tired!
• We then picked up Keaton and Campbell and had a bit of time to play with Lilly and Cash.  The kids played a game of soccer and it didn't end pretty so we went ahead and headed home-it was time anyway!  I believe at the end of the game, Graham pushed Reagan and then he was hit in return and soon there was a big pileup-their tiredness was showing!
• Back at home, they played outside with Robby some while I worked on supper.  Then it was time for showers for the girls and hair cutting for all of the boys.  Tomorrow is crazy hair night at church so the boys now have mohawks.  They were so excited and don't worry, their mohawk will be gone tomorrow night after church!

October 1, 2012

(click here for today's pictures)

• Monday mornings are always a bit wild but we did fine this morning-no stopped up potties, no dryers full of inky clothes and both cars started.  So it started out as a pretty perfect Monday!  The kids all were dressed and downstairs in a few minutes-doesn't take too long when Robby starts playing a tv show.
• We dropped off Campbell and Keaton first.  I think that Campbell really enjoys her Mondays with Nonna because as soon as we get there, she is ready for us to leave.  She is quickly turning into such a big girl.  
• Next up was Graham.  He said he didn't want to go to school today but Reagan and then Anderson both whined that they still wished they were in Ms. Stacy's class.  This made it a bit easier for him to go into his class and when he saw that it was Birthday Bash, he practically skipped in that classroom.
• We just had a few minutes to read in the car today before it was time to drop off Reagan and Anderson.  Then we walked them in-while inside I counted Reagan's stars on her desk.  She had 25 and was so proud.  
• I then did my work and soon made the trip back to church to pick up Graham.  He told me that tomorrow the fire truck was coming to school (probably not true at all).  But he did have a cupcake today and had homework to bring back a toothpaste box.  I knew that homework was coming up so I had one saved for him (I am a Ms. Stacy's class pro.)
• Then we headed to Nonna's house for lunch.  After lunch, we headed outside to play for a bit.  Graham rode his bike and Campbell pushed Keaton in the stroller.  Soon we headed home and the two little girls had a nap.  
• Graham seemed to enjoy playing by himself today in the toy room for most of the afternoon.  Then we watched a bit of Cake Boss together while I worked on my coupons.  Soon Campbell and Keaton were awake and helped me price a bit of garage sale stuff.  
• Before too long, Reagan and Anderson came home.  Anderson's teacher ran out of stickers today but he said that he earned one.  Reagan was only one of two in her class that was able to pick something out of the treasure box.  
• At 5 we loaded up for practice.  We were a bit late and the boys and Reagan ran right out to the field to join their teammates.  I could hear Reagan cheering from where I was sitting and her coach said that she was the loudest cheerer.  The boys did pretty good in practice.  Graham did get smacked by the ball in the face (throwing by Robby I think) and cried for a few seconds.  We really need to work on them playing catch with each other.  
• After practice, I passed out sandwiches and we had supper there and then we came home for put on pjs.  Next up was ice cream truck-it didn't come yesterday because we had cookies at church.  The kids were pretty tired tonight-maybe we should have practice every night!