December 7, 2013

(click here for today's pictures)

Another fun winter day!

• Well, I guess that I am warming up to the idea of actually have electricity during this little winter storm.  It is proving to be quite fun (not really productive but a lot of fun)  Of course, next week when we are snapped back into the real world (and I have to clean up all of our fun), things won't be as much fun.
• Everyone is still waking up at 7 but Robby and I are trying our best to stay in the bed.  Of course, when 6 kids try to join you in a queen size bed, it does cause you to get a blanket and move to the floor.  We stayed in our bed this morning until the kids convinced Robby that they were about to starve to death.
• Robby made breakfast burritos and most everyone had that-except for my pop tart girl (Keaton).  Then we made the kids do their math and phonics (he, he, we are so sneaky.)  Actually, next week is going to be pretty busy so little schooling will be accomplished.  
• Then I really do not know what happened-we did wash all of the sheets in the house, Robby vacuumed and worked on the kitchen floor (using a putty knife to get the sticky, sticky off).  Oh, and I did have the kids help me do a bit of wrapping.  
• There was a bit less entertainment out the windows this morning.  Yesterday, there were birds everywhere.  And at least 9 of those poor things flew into the windows.  It must have really looked warm in our house.  Constantly, we were hearing "thud, thud" from the birds.  I don't know why that was happening because goodness knows my windows are not that clean.
• Soon it was lunch time.  Before the power was to go off, we made some potato soup.  And since the power never went off, we finallly pulled it out today.  Robby had put it in an old potato salad container so when the kids saw it, they had already decided that they were not going to eat it.  We convinced them with the reward of some cookies but let me tell you, that was the best soup ever.  I even smashed the potatoes in the soup up for Whitman and he ate it all.
• And as soon as lunch was over, the kids knew what time it was.  They headed to start putting on their gear to go outside.  Since it was 22 degrees, we left Whitman in front of the big window in his exersaucer with a bottle in his hand (I think he was even happy to see us all go.)  
• By the time I made it outside, Anderson was telling me that it was very slippery.  It took poor Keaton a few mintues to figure out how to walk on the ice.  And that child would not wear her gloves.  I just had to make sure that her hands were in her jacket sleeves or she would have been the poster girl for frostbite.
• The sledding today was awesome-from our garage to the woods with one push.  Robby guesses it is about 75 yards.  It wasn't speedy fast but it was fun.  Reagan did clip a tree and we held our breath until she got up.  I don't think she hit the tree but the sled sure did.  After that when Keaton would sled, she would scream the entire way down no matter who she was riding with. 
• Graham and Robby even looked for some animal tracks.  The deer were really out last night but they were still not able to find any tracks  this afternoon.  Keaton had Robby take her in and she even stayed inside with Whitman by their selves for a bit-that is how cold it was.  
• This afternoon was filled with movies, football, tv and naps.  Pretty perfect afternoon.  I fixed supper and then the kids helped pick up for a few minutes.  Next up was reading a few books followed by our nativity scavenger hunt again.
• Reagan helped me mix things up a bit and add a few more clues.  The kids were just as into  it tonight and I wish everyone could see Keaton running off after hearing a clue.  Of course, she has no idea where she is going, she is just following everyone else but she is super excited about it.  
• Then it was time for a quick Let's Make a Deal show before bedtime.  Keaton was exhausted tonight since she missed her nap so bedtime went a bit smoother.  Now to wrap a few packages without any help!

Christmas Ornament Countdown: 18 Days until Christmas

And today's ornament is another large postcard-we are on a them here.  This one is also from our road trip in September.  Bryce Canyon was a wonderful stop on our trip.  It took a bit to get there since the road that would have made it 20 minutes away had a rock slide and we had to take a 3 hour detour.  It was a beautiful hole in the ground that we walked down a bit.  Of course taking all of the kids down, down, down into Bryce Canyon was quite nerve racking but everyone survived.

Here is the post from that day (which was also Reagan's birthday)

December 6, 2013

(click here for today's pictures)

Wintry fun...

(click here for a quick video)

• On the pictures today there are a few pictures that Ms. Hannah took yesterday during Campbell's birthday celebration at school.
• Well, even though we went to bed ready to wake up with our lights off, we (mainly I) was disappointed.  Robby slept with his flashlight by his bed, we had the heat up keeping the house extra toasty, I had my sweatshirt on but alas we just had a snow day not a lights out day.
• Maybe I was excited about no lights because that would give me a reason to skip school for the day.  But we pressed on and did our schooling.  Friday is usually an easy day so we had finished school, glued together a science review and made an ornament (well, I hope the ornament works-pipe cleaners, borax and hot water)
• Campbell does spend most of her time lately carrying around a sheet of paper and a pen.  She calls it her list-wonder where she gets that?  Ha!  One of her parents might just have a few lists laying around the house.  Keaton even went to bed with a notebook tonight.
• We did eat fairly well today (fairly well for us) though none of it was the food we had cooked last night.  Cinnamon rolls for breakfast and fish sticks and hush puppies for lunch.  After lunch, we finally relented to what the kids had been asking for all morning long-to go outside.
• I didn't bundle anyone up too much because I knew they would be coming back in after awhile. Though we did watch a scary little video of frost bite the other day-probably should have bundled them all up better on second thought.  
• There were lots of snow angel making and a few ice balls thrown.  But when Robby pulled out our old sled, that was when the party started.  With a good push, the kids could coast down to the lower burn pile.  It wasn't a fast sled ride but still fun.  Everyone, except Whitman, had a turn.  
• My Whitman was tired when I brought him out-wearing his feetie pajamas, heavy pants, heavy coat and new hat.  He didn't last too long nor did Keaton.  Once we made it back inside, I put Whitman in bed and Keaton and I went  upstairs to watch the others through the window. Once she saw Robby out there she was ready for us to go back  outside, so we did.  
• After much more sledding, we all trickled in and Keaton and Campbell had a warm shower to warm up and the big 3 had hot cocoa.  Then they all watched some movies while Campbell and I cuddled up and had ourselves a nap.  
• Soon it was supper time and the kids ate and then picked up while I worked on a pinterest inspired scavenger hunt.  They had to find the pieces of our nativity around the house following clues ("I am a carpenter.  Find me under something made of wood in the kitchen." or "I traveled a long way to see Jesus.  I may have brought my toothbrush.")  They had a blast and it took quite a while (win, win!)  
• A quick Price is Right and then it was time to pull our Santa and then bed.  While the others were pulling the Santa piece, Whitman high tailed it over to the monorail and started grabbing at it.  I turned it on for him and he just sat there watching it with huge eyes.  
• Then it was bedtime-so far it isn't going to smoothly.  Keaton slept too long and is going strong!  We have both been upstairs a few times and I just made a deal with Robby that if he went this time, I would find us dessert.  Wish me luck!

Christmas Ornament Countdown: 19 Days until Christmas

Continuing on the large Christmas ornament theme, we bought another wooden postcard at our next National Park stop in September-Zion National Park.  Zion was our surprise national park-we had no idea that it would be as beautiful as it was.  It had been raining, no pouring, on our drive to the park, yet when we arrived the skies cleared and the beauty was unexpected.

Here is the post from that stop.

December 5, 2013

Sisters!

(click here for today's pictures)

• Cupcake day for Campbell's class today so she was ready to go to school.  That child didn't complain at all about her clothes which she usually does.  And had pottied and brushed her teeth and was trying to get into the car before Robby was even ready to leave.  She was in such a hurry that we even forgot her breakfast.  Thankfully, Robby remembered and stopped to get her something on the way.
• During all of this, my Graham asked to go in the school room (waking up Whitman) to start on his school work.  Well, there is no way that I can pass up that offer.  I am not really sure why he wanted to start on his school work before 7:30 but hey, that was find with me.  Reagan was close behind and I had to call them to the window to wave at Campbell as they drove off.
• Usually Keaton goes with Robby to take Campbell on Thursdays.  Even though she doesn't know that this is Thursday, I was a bit afraid that she was going to have a fit but when I mentioned pop tarts she was fine.  
• Robby didn't want to take her because he was a doing a bit of storm shopping (or really storm prevention-because after all of his winter preparation, it won't do anything all year long)  Since yesterday, we have gone into ice storm mode: The generator has been readied, gas bought, batteries bought, groceries filling the pantry, chili, spaghetti, taco meat and potato soup have been made, electronics charged, house cleaned and even a bag of clothes ready to take to the bonus room, paper products bought, laundry is clean, dishes are clean.  The only thing that is not done is him laying out the extension cords for the generator and bringing up bedding to the bonus room.  (9:30 Thursday night and it is thundering out there!  Eeek!  I better type fast!)
• Soon he was home in time to unload his purchases and reload with kids (Keaton and Graham) to go and pick up Campbell from school.  She did have a great day celebrating her birthday with her friends today.  She had to bring cupcakes today because she will be out next week because next week she will be shooting a commercial (more on that later!)
• After I fed everyone lunch, we jumped in the car and headed to Grannymom's house for a bit.  The kids played and were happy when Lilly and Cash showed up after school.  Robby and I went out to eat lunch, a quick stop to Savers and then I had a doctor's appointment while he went to Target for M&Ms and shoes for Reagan.  
• My appointment was quick (appointment at 2:30 and out the door at 2:44)-just a blood pressure check.  The 6th child has pushed my blood pressure back up so I am back on 2 meds.  Thank goodness for medicine.  People always say I am laid back-I'm not!  Ha!  After my appointment we went to Sams to pick up my medicine.  We were surprised about how empty it was in there...then we made it to the back of the store and saw a line of people.  They were all waiting in line for a generator.  We already have one but it made us want to get in line too-we didn't though.
• Back at Grannymom's house, Robby took their Christmas picture and then we loaded up for home.  Whitman had been asleep at Grannymoms for a few minutes so when we got home, he was wide awake.  He needed another nap but never took one so he was a bit on the grouchy side (well, grouchy for him is probably pleasant for other babies)  
• We were cooking up a storm when my wardrobe stylist called (Aunt Dana)  She came over with Lilly and Cash and brought supper.  She even pulled out outfit after outfit for all 8 of us Dennies.  Apparently, we are going to wear multiple changes of clothes-filming at quite a few different places.  The kids will so enjoy skipping rocks, wearing sleeveless shirts in 35 degree temperature-memories!  We are going to briefly appear in a commercial for Baptist so all of that excitement will happen on Tuesday and Thursday of next week.  I have already started with the kiddos (mainly Campbell) about being compliant with whatever we are asked to do.  Tonight I did mention that there would be a big reward for us if we did a good job-don't yet know what that will be.  
• The kids played and played until we had some of Dana's birthday cake-she brought it herself but we did supply the candles!  Everyone sang and then devoured the cake.  They left and we picked up and then put everyone to bed.  We were lollygagging on the couch until we heard thunder outside and got up to prepare a few more things (I should be doing the laundry but that can be done in the dark-can't it?)  
• Who knows what the weather holds-my guess is nothing but Robby is preparing for about a week without power.  Hopefully all of the work the tree folks have been doing out here will help some.  Either way, we are pretty excited-probably going to a movie would be an easier way to get our kicks though!

Christmas Ornament Countdown: 20 Days Until Christmas

In September, we made it back to Yosemite which is one of my favorite places in the entire world.  It was beautiful this time despite the smoke and occasional ash that fell due to the nearby fires.  We were only there for a short time but I think that the kids caught my fever for Yosemite.

Here is the blog post from then.

December 4, 2013

(click here for today's pictures)

Christmas Program at CBS

• Today was Bible study day but not just Bible study day, it was also Christmas program day.  Big, big time stuff.  The kids were dressed in their Christmas best-well, this is the 4th year for the boys to wear the same Christmas sweaters (I have truly gotten my money's worth on those).  I tried to talk Graham out of his sweater and just a button down shirt but he was insistent despite the 70 degree temps.  Reagan has only one dress that she really loves and since it is black, it looks very dressy.  Campbell is always limited on his hand me downs that she can wear but we did find a cute Christmas dress.  And Keaton, well she wasn't singing but how can you not dress her up when the others are dressed up.  
• Even though things were laid out and ready to go, we still got in the car 9 minutes late.  That may not sound like much but 9 minutes is late!  Getting everyone to their classes and then to my class takes quite a while-and today I even stopped in the sanctuary to set my bag down to save a seat for the little show.  
• After Bible study, some folks left and the men folk came in and the program started.  First up was Reagan's group.  We could see her lips telling the girl beside her "I see your parents. There's my parents."  They sang the Revelation Song.  Reagan's hair was thrown over her shoulder so everyone could see it and she was singing her little heart out.
• Then it was the little kids-including Campbell.  This morning I had clearly told Campbell that she was to stand up, not sit down and she better not lay down on that stage.  Well, would you believe that the very first song had motions-and one of them was laying down on the stage. She sang most of the songs, knew most of the motions and most importantly kept her dress down.  
• Her group was then joined by the bigger kids-Graham and Anderson.  My little adorable boys-Anderson standing on the back row with his hands in his pockets singing away and Graham cheesing up for all to see.  But when it was time to sing, Graham didn't just sing-he SANG! We all could hear that little fellow-he knew the words (made me look like a good mamma that practiced his songs with him-never happen!)
• After the program was over, Robby helped me navigate the narrow halls to pick everyone up. They kids did start to race the Kamps and Heltz down the hall at one point-we usually have a bit of a race to see who can get our big kids first.  
• Then we headed to see Beebee for the week-we were loaded down when we went into her place: our lunch, her Christmas tree, a picture from Reagan and tape to hang it on the wall and a new candy bucket (hers was cracked!)  We ate our lunch while Beebee finished hers.  Pops showed up and visited with us for a while.  
• The plan is for my kids big enough for choir to go with their choir to Beebee's place on Saturday to carol.  The weather is making it look like that isn't going to happen.  So she said sing something and they started singing Silent Night.  Goodness gracious, I had to busy myself with Whitman or I might just have gotten teary eyed-your grandmother and children singing Christmas carols.  
• Back at home, I unpacked and unpacked from the day while Keaton did NOT take a nap and Whitman did.  He is back to his happy self-his is probably feeling better today than he has in a week or two.  Right now he is playing in the floor and eyeing Robby's coke...and crawling everywhere.  
• We had a snack and I joined the kids watching a man get bit by a python on tv.  Yep, my boys have found themselves a good alligator/wildlife show to watch.  After that we read a bit of science and then had ourselves supper.  
• Soon Robby was home and loaded up a van load of kids to go down the road to the gas station-to fill up a few gas cans just in case we need use of the generator.  This weather has us scared (hopefully that means nothing will happen)  I even feel the need to keep my laundry clean so we won't have to head to a laundromat this time.  We might should put new batteries in all of our flashlights too...I am so excited!
• We then left for church-with a quick stop at the library for me and the gas station to fill up my van.  Anderson's class was able to shop and he bought...a football.  And we heard Graham's teacher ask what the kids ate for Thanksgiving and my child shouted "we even went to a movie."
• Once at home, Anderson was sweaty and had a shower.  Then we pulled our Santa and headed to bed.  Another good day...now for some brownies to celebrate!