January 5, 2019

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• So we could have had a relaxing Saturday and well, we probably should have, but that sure wouldn't be any fun! 
• Robby and I left this morning and ran to At Home (looking for a sale on Christmas trees) and Sams (picking up Veggie Straws), before going to Grannymom's house. There we picked up Campbell, Keaton and Whitman.
• Whitman was a little toot as we were picking him up, and hopefully all of that was because he was exhausted and slept for a very long time afterwards. Campbell and Keaton, however, were not tired at all and talked the entire way to Bryant.
• On that side of town, we picked up a video game from Walmart which we promptly returned since they took forever to get it to us. Our plan had been to go to Dairy Queen for our first free burgers of the year but had left the coupons at home.
• So we headed home to pick up the coupons and drop off the girls. The neighbors were out playing so they were happy to stay home. We also left Whitman, who was snoozing in the car, while we unloaded. Then we headed out again to get those Dairy Queen burgers.
• Once there, we had to wake up Whitman, who was not in a perfect mood. We had our burgers while we only had fries. Then Robby did buy him an ice cream while I filled out the survey for a free Dilly Bar.
• Afterwards, we ran down the road for a free car wash. They were handing out chips, hot dogs, water, cupcakes, popcorn, and more Dairy Queen Dilly Bars there. We only got a Dilly Bar for Whitman and Robby since I had just eaten one, and Whitman did take him a bag of chips for the car.
• Back at home, we played around for a bit, but then we loaded up again with Graham, Campbell, Keaton and Whitman to take my car to the car wash. Of course, this time we made the car wash our supper and everyone enjoyed their Dilly Bar as a dessert. We did take Reagan and Anderson one back home. 
• By the time we made it home this time, it was dark outside so there was no more playing outside. Most of the kids had been out during the day at some point. We had everyone start on their showers and a bit of picking up.
• Robby and I began work on a few batches of cinnamon rolls. Our first batch the dough didn't rise-we think we had the milk too hot. After seeing that not rise, we made a second batch and called Shannon to come over and play. We decided that we certainly needed one more batch as well, so we started on another one as well.
• It took forever to roll out the first (non rising) batch and the second (good) batch. We finally finished after 10:30 with those. Shannon headed home, and we put everyone in bed before putting the third batch in the fridge and baking the second batch. We will have plenty of cinnamon rolls for my birthday tomorrow!

January 4, 2019

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• Even though we had said that we would do better this morning about waking up, we most certainly did not. It was 8:15 when I looked at the clock. Of course, I did a bunch of groaning as I jumped out of bed. 
• My first stop was to turn on the oven. Then I put my clothes on and made muffins which baked while I worked on waking everyone else up. Whitman and Graham were the only ones awake this morning. 
• Once the muffins were finished, we started on our school together work. We are just doing a fraction of it so they were still working on their individual work on plenty of time. School went fine again today and by noon-ish we were all eating lunch.
• This afternoon everyone did their chores, and then I played Candyland with Whitman and Keaton. He had told Robby the other day that it was his favorite game. Now, after today when he came in dead last I am not so sure if it will still be his favorite game!
• I took Reagan, Anderson and Graham to their East library class this afternoon. I found a sunny spot in the library and worked on my Sunday school and read. It was pretty perfect to just relax for a little bit...if only I could have taken a nap.
• I did bring in my water. I know their are signs saying not to, but joked with Sara as we walked in. She told me to just keep it in my bag which I did. About halfway through my library lounging, I looked down at my bag and noticed that the entire bottom was wet. Yep, my water had spilled. Thankfully, my bag was empty at the time so all was well, but I guess I know why the library has a no food or drink sign!
• Keaton, Campbell, and Whitman went to Grannymom's house tonight and even spent the night. Robby and I were going out with the Wilsons so they needed somewhere to stay. Whitman was so excited that he set his timer for when Robby was going to take them. They had all even packed multiple bags for the night! No tell what all they brought.
• After East, the Wilson and us went to eat at The Silo. It was not a great birthday meal at all. Every single thing that we ordered was wrong or mixed up. They were out of rolls, the appetizer was tiny and took forever, my food was on Shannon's plate, we didn't get the bread we ordered, Tony's got chicken instead of chicken fried steak, the baked potatoes came well after our meal, refills were non existent, the ranch took forever and our ice cream came after our dessert. 
• Now even though we won't be going back anytime soon at all, if ever to eat a meal there, their fried pies were pretty darn good. I might be willing to go back there again just for dessert but that would definitely be it. 
• We still had a good time though and ended the evening with a walk around Kroger and Walmart. Kind of sad that eating at an old person restaurant and walking around Walmart is an exciting birthday evening! Ha!
• Shannon had made cookies so we munched on them when we came back to our house. Once they left, it was time for bed for the crew and time for bed for us!

January 3, 2019

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• Since we were starting school at 8 today, I had planned to wake up at 7:15. Ha! That didn't work exactly like I had planned. I did jump up at 8, and no one else in this house was awake. Seriously, they were all trying avoid doing school or that Nyquil worked really well last night.
• I had 4 kids chugging Nyquil tonight-Campbell and Graham who are still coughing but do seem to be improved. Also Anderson who says that he feels just fine, but when I heard him cough he sounded so wheezy and croupy and asthma-y! And Keaton who has Campbell's cough. No one feels bad or has any fever so hopefully the coughs will ease up soon.
• Once I was able to rouse everyone from bed, they grabbed their breakfasts and ate while I read. We just did a little bit of our working together so the kids were able to start to school sooner. That worked out well for them.
• I didn't give any one much school today-or at least they though so. They still had math, writing, phonics (littles), science (Reagan), and grammar. So really they did all they need to do today. It was a nice start back to school.
• Reagan left with Robby for lunch. They ate a burger and ran by Grannymom and Grandpa's house. Meanwhile, Nonna and Pops ran over here fora few minutes. The kids enjoyed showing them Anderson's race car track. He had received it last year for Christmas, but it has just now consumed everyone this last week or so.           
• After they left, Robby and Reagan were home soon. The kids had already finished their chores so I did a few of mine around the house. I did organize one more closet-it wasn't too bad though and I barely threw anything away.
• This afternoon was fairly quiet. I think that I might have had one last Christmas break nap. We did have at least 2 different deliveries today and even had 3 yesterday. You would think that it is Christmas or something!
• We had some leftovers tonight for supper. We did change things up a little bit and even made quesadillas as part of our supper. After supper, we cleaned the kitchen while the kids took their showers and their medicine.
• Graham did make a box of cookies for everyone to eat for dessert while we were watching our tv show tonight. Then it was bedtime for my cough-y crew.

January 2, 2019

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• I believe that most of the children in this house last night slept until almost 11. I am afraid that they will have a hard time waking up in the morning for school. Well, I actually will also have a hard time waking for school in the morning. I will say that I have enjoyed this Christmas through New Year's break more than I have any other year. Maybe it is because of all of this organizing that we have been doing.
• Cash had spent the night with us and did leave with a black eye. Ooops! Good thing he is family. The child ran into the couch upstairs while the kids were playing hide and seek in the dark. They told me about it and I briefly wondered if he needed stitches last night when I first saw it. It was just a really ugly carpet burn on his eye. I did doctor him up last night but it was pretty red still this morning when he finally stirred.
• Robby took Cash home and ran a few errands during lunch. I worked on the dishes, laundry and that one final closet that I have been trying to get to. The kids also did their chores-I do enjoy getting back into a routine even though I think we could get into some type of routine and still never do school again. The kids weren't too thrilled with all of their chores, but it is time that they get back to reality.
• This afternoon, we did a bit more work on my closet, and then I did a lot of work on my history timeline. I am trying to get things a bit ready for tomorrow so it can possibly run smoothly. 
• Tonight supper was a pork chops, potatoes and green beans. Yep, look at me getting on those New Year's resolutions. Supper was actually delicious. I was worried that I wouldn't have enough but we even had some leftovers, and Robby was able to cut our pork chops up and made it go twice as far. 
• The kids all enjoyed the meal and even stuck around the kitchen to help clean up. After supper, it was kind of quiet around here. I did play two games with Keaton, Campbell and Graham. I couldn't get Reagan or Anderson to play with us-maybe I will have to start a mandatory game time. 
• Bedtime was much earlier tonight than it has been in a few weeks-possibly even in a few months! It went fairly smoothly-though Whitman did have to go potty after he laid down and at least 13 other children up there have gone to the bathroom as well.

Dennie Family Resolutions 2019

Well, another year of making resolutions (that we know that we won't keep at least for the most part.) It is still fun though so we will carry on the tradition. Now, I will say that for the last week, Robby and I have been saying the phrase, "wear the red dress." The phrase means to not save things until the perfect occasion, today is the day to wear the red dress, use the good china, play the game or hang the picture. Don't wait, enjoy it all now. So I guess "wear the red dress" is our phrase of the year. 

Here are our individual resolutions for 2019:

Robby:

-walk over the Clinton Library Bridge and the Big Dam Bridge
-go to Silver Dollar City at least 6 times

Tara:

-improve at meal planning

-run/walk on the treadmill consistently

-be generous

-less ipad time/more activity time for kids

Reagan:

-spend all of my gift cards
-not spend any money

Anderson:

-spend all of my gift cards

Graham:

-go to Branson

-go to Chick Fil A (He also said that his word for the year is "Chick Fil A")

Campbell:

-have a lemonade stand
-go to baking class
-use all my gift cards
-learn how to make homemade brownies

Keaton:

-sell cookies at a lemonade stand

-bake all by myself

Whitman:

-play Minecraft

-go to Disney World

And here is the best part of our resolutions...the results of 2018's resolutions:

Robby:

Read 6 books (He said that he did read 6 books.)

Tara:

Floss (Daily-on school days)

Have better posture (Nah, not so much)

Plan our meals better (Ha, ha, ha)

Reagan:

Spend all her gift cards (She tried but still has more than anyone else.)

Anderson:

Get a job (Nope, not yet)

Build all of his destroyed Lego sets (We tried and did rebuild a few larger ones.)

Graham: 

Score 10 goals in soccer (Nope)

Become a better basketball player (Yes, Anderson and Graham go to Friday night basketball, and it has really improved their skills.)

Campbell:

Have a lemonade stand (Unfortunately not)

Bake more (Definitely)

Keaton: 

Play basketball (Her team this year has won all of their games, and she is really pretty good.)

Whitman:

Read a Christmas book (Yes)

Learn to read (Whoop whoop! He is doing very well.)

January 1, 2019

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• We slept in a bit on this first day of the year. I think that most of the kids did as well. Whitman was the first kid that we saw. He was concerned about getting his breakfast. When we asked him who all was awake, he told us Campbell and Reagan. When we heard him say Reagan, we questioned him until we finally understood that Reagan was just up long enough to tell him that he couldn't sit on the bonus room steps and watch his ipad. Alyssa, Reagan and Kennedy were still trying to sleep up there.
• Anderson worked with Robby to make breakfast this morning. He had received a Star Wars waffle maker for Christmas and took making his waffles very seriously. I think that he was pretty proud of himself.
• After the kids all ate, they headed outside to play some. While they did that, I worked on that last closet left on my list. Unfortunately, I didn't have time to finish it. I have straightened the closet, but that means that all of the clothes that were shoved in there are not in a big heap in the closet upstairs.
• Kennedy's dad picked her up before we left and on our way to Grannymom's house we dropped off Alyssa. Lunch was at Grannymom's house. We had our traditional black eyed peas and hog jaw. 
• The kids all played a game of dominoes after lunch. While they were playing, Whitman sat in my lap and went sound to sleep. I think that he was a bit tired from staying up so late last night. Cash came home with us and ended up spending the night.
• We dropped off the big 3 and Cash at home, and the little 3, Robby and I ran a few errands. We stopped at Kirklands where I had birthday money to spend (yes, birthday money from last year) plus a birthday coupon to spend (birthday coupon from this year). 
• I ended up buying a lamp for in the kitchen, a Christmas pillow and a paper towel holder. Robby suggested that we go to Target. Their Christmas stuff was 90 percent off and very little was left. We did leave with some candy, wrapping paper and to/from tags. 
• Once at home, we hung up a sign from Christmas which meant that we had to vacuum under and in the couch. We also put my new lamp on the table. Unfortunately, while we were working on the sign, we heard a huge crash and then an "ooopsie." Whitman had some how knocked the lamp off the bar. I had never liked the cheap lamp from ikea so this wasn't too traumatic for me. We had planned on putting it in the bathroom, but I guess I will just have to get another one. 
• The Wilson's were soon over for supper. We had taquitos, soft tacos and chicken tortilla soup along with all of our leftover sweets. The kids had lots of fun playing inside, outside, upstairs, and downstairs. They were all over and all had lots of fun. 
• Graham took the floor tonight so Cash could sleep in his bed. I do still think that the boys are awake up there. Hopefully, they will sleep soon. I am pretty sure that Graham will since his nyquil should soon kick in. 
• And I didn't forget about our resolutions, I will get them done tomorrow or maybe the next day! Promise.

December 31, 2018-Happy New Year's Eve!

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• The morning seems like such a long time ago that I am having a hard time remembering exactly what all we did. It is coming back to me now-we had planned to wake up early to start on organizing my pantry. 
• When I did wake up, I took everything out of the pantry and started putting a few things back in. I didn't have too long because I soon had to leave to pick up Reagan. She had spent the night with a friend. 
• On the way home, we stopped by the library. Then headed straight home, and on the way home, Reagan chatted the entire time telling me all about the party. Once home. Robby and I finished up the pantry moving on to the fridge, freezer and snack cabinet. 
• We had heard that it was receipt day at one Chick Fil A so we headed there. (Receipt day means that you bring your receipt back on a certain day next month, and you receive your meal for free.) We picked up lunch for everyone and brought it back home. 
• On the way, we did stop to buy some Nyquil cough medicine. Campbell and Graham are still coughing at night-no fever or anything else that would make me want to take them to the doctor just yet. Now, Anderson did mention today that his ear hurts when he yawns. I told him to report back on that ear tomorrow-not that I really want to start on reaching my deductible tomorrow.
• We ate our lunches, and then everyone helped with the chores around the house. The girls cleaned out under their beds as the boys had done the other day. There was laundry and dishes-kind of nice having everyone help out a bit around here. Tomorrow we really should do some cleaning and not just straightening.
• This afternoon Keaton made her brownie dessert for tonight. Campbell made cake pops with her new cake pop maker for tonight. This took what seemed like forever, but she loved every minute of it, really I did too. Finally, Reagan worked on her brownies to take to her party tonight.
• This afternoon-well, really it was around 5 that we ran back to Chick Fil A to buy desserts for everyone. The Heltz were there and we brought Alyssa home with us. Soon Kennedy was here and the girls' jumped in the car with her to head to their first New Year's Eve party.
• I made soup for our supper while Robby made some desserts to help our celebration. The Heltz came over for a bit, and the kids enjoyed playing and eating. Whitman and Michael even played together some throwing snowballs at each other. 
• They left before we ran in the New Year's since Candice had to work in the morning. That gave my crew time to pick up, take their medicine and put on their pjs before w played a game. We played Left, Right, Center with everyone. Graham was out of the game early but ended up still winning the pot of quarters.
• We finished just as it was time to ring in the New Year. We counted down with the tv and rang in the New Year with hats and blowers. As soon as the ball dropped, Robby had to leave to pick up the girls from their party. Once they were home, they headed straight upstairs to head to bed-possibly! I am about to go and check. 
• Tomorrow we will work on our Dennie family resolutions and most excitingly (and laughable), we will recap the resolutions that we made for 2018.