- We weren't going to do our normal working together (science, history and all of our other things) because Reagan would be gone, and I didn't want for her to miss it. That was certainly fine with everyone else though.
- The whole house was awake by 8. Actually, Campbell and Keaton had already made two bags of muffins. When I asked everyone to get to work, they really jumped to it.
- Campbell is struggling with long division-it is really just the beginnings of long division, but it is tough for her right now. I have tried to explain it in every way that I know how. I am sure it will click with her soon, but I hope it happens sooner rather than later.
- Anderson seems to be fairly focused so far this year and is rocking his work. While, Whitman can only seem to focus if he is "thinking about his ipad." Now, I usually always try to get him to race me. For example, I will tell him to try to finish one page by the time that Campbell and I are finished with spelling. He will never race like that with me. However, he and Keaton were trying to finish their pages before the end of a song today. Hopefully, that works for him!
- I picked up Reagan, Kennedy and Alyssa from a sleepover. They all had a great time. Only one of them stayed up all night-my child. She was going pretty strong when I dropped her off at Grannymom's house to go birthday shopping.
- Grannymom and Reagan did well on their shopping. They ran to a quite a few places and picked up all of Reagan's birthday stuff plus an outfit for me to buy her. And they even did some driving practice at the church house.
- Back at home, we had loaded up and gone to the pool for the afternoon. It was hot, but all of our friends were there. The kids all had fun swimming. We were planning on leaving at 3:50 but the thunder roared right before then so the pool was closed a bit early.
- Today was Anderson's turn to make supper so when we came home, he had to get to work on his lemon bundt cake which turned out to be delicious. I then had to call Robby in a panic saying that we needed milk-we were 5 cups short of the milk for our mac and cheese. It took a bit but eventually, Anderson's meal of hamburgers and mac and cheese was on the table. It was pretty good, and he did great cooking and baking.
- The mac and cheese was pretty good-I was worried about it while it was baking. The kids said that it was good but not their favorite. I do hope that the like it decently because we have over half of a 9x13 left to eat.
- Most everyone had taken their showers after swimming, but Anderson and Campbell still had to plus we had laundry to fold along with trash to take out. I also had a bit of school work to catch up on with Campbell. We did all of that this evening, and plus I still had time for some card games with Campbell, Keaton and Graham.
- Another school day around here. Today was a bit wild since the original plan was to go to Third Realm at 11. The air conditioner man was supposed to come in the morning so the kids knew that if he didn't come at a decent time then we wouldn't be able to go.
- By about 10, the kids were working well but I did tell them that we more than likely wouldn't be able to jump because the man wasn't at the house yet. I told Robby this and he said that we should plan to come, and he would text the man to give us a head's up. So then I told the kids that we would be able to go.
- About 10:15, the air man did show up so as he was working, I told the kids that we probably wouldn't be able to go since the man was just getting started working. About 15 minutes later as I was writing the check for the worker, I did tell the kids to start getting ready because we were in fact going to jump. My little people had a hard time keeping up with if we were going or if we were not.
- They were all pleased though to be able to jump. It is really the favorite thing of the boys to do right now. I think that we will certainly miss it at the end of the month. However, I will be glad when this summer life settles down a little bit.
- After jumping, we all had to come back home to finish school. A few folks were done but waiting on me to work with them. I know that Keaton had finished working with me but still had a few things to do. So as we all ate our lunches, we went to town on school work.
- I am not sure what happened because before I knew it, it was time to load up and leave again. Today was the first of the library's homeschool hour. I didn't know what to expect-there was just us and one other family. The kids all made pens with flowers attached to the top. They all enjoyed this-even Reagan who was sure that the class was too babyish for her. We will probably go again next week because why not!
- Once we came home, Anderson and Whitman still had to finish up. Whitman had to read while Anderson had to fix his math with me. I then just had time for a shower before I left again. I really had a few more things to accomplish on my list today but there just aren't enough hours in the day.
- I had a homeschool meeting. I went to one class about homeschooling in high school. I didn't really hear any new information, but it was good to know that the info I have is accurate. At the general session, they did give out a prize to the person who was homeschooling the most kids-me! Ha! I even had to walk to the front to pick up my gift (a book).
- After we finished there, the other moms and I went to eat before running to Kroger for a few things before coming home.
- Robby and the kids went to Jenna's birthday party. They were able to eat there and swim for a little bit. The kids all had fun swimming. They came home in time for showers and then eventually bed tonight.
- When I came in, I went upstairs to tell the kids good night. Whitman was already asleep, but the others were awake. When I went in the girls' room, I quickly asked where Reagan was. The girls laughed and reminded me that she was at a sleepover! Yes, I did remember her leaving but had completely forgotten.
- Anderson and Graham are usually awake before everyone. This morning however, Whitman came in to our and climbed in bed between us. A bit later Graham came in the room, and Whitman was quick to ask him where he had been. Graham told Whitman and he had been sitting at his school desk and saw him run by. I guess Whitman didn't think that it was safe to go in the living room alone without a brother there.
- My alarm had already gone off a few times, but since snuggly Whitman was there I stayed in bed a bit longer. Eventually, it was time to wake up and start our second week of school. We had to wait a while for Reagan to get downstairs, but once we began we read for an hour and then started on our school work.
- School went fairly well today. Things were definitely slower today-not so much for the kids but definitely for me. I added spelling to everyone's list so that takes some time. Plus there was lots of help to given with math. Overall, things went fairly smoothly today.
- Everyone made their own lunches today. While we were eating, we decided to make a quick run to Third Realm. We gobbled down our food, picked up and headed out the door. The kids enjoyed jumping. Graham was super excited that he has mastered a flip. Keaton and Campbell spend all of their Third Realm time working on their gymnastics which is the current craze around here.
- After Third Realm the littles went to the pool, while I went home with the bigs. Once we pulled into our street, Reagan started to ask to drive. I was in Robby's car so things would have probably have been easier, but I told her that teaching to drive was Robby's job. The more I think about that, the more I think that is a good plan for me-I have 6 people that need to learn that skill so think that delegating will work out well!
- I walked on the treadmill this afternoon despite the bonus room being 80 degrees. All of our family have had some sort of air problems lately and it is now our turn. That will have to be solved tomorrow but at least it isn't in the main house.
- We were able to find enough supper in the fridge and freezer again tonight. We were steadily working through the fridge and freezer but are working much slower in going through the pantry.
- And in case you were wondering, I did quickly find 20 things to throw away (or put in the garage sale box) today. I didn't take me very long, but I did realize that finding a whole 200 things might be a bit difficult. I might have to get the kids and Robby to help a bit.
- After we ate, we ran to the Heltz' house for some watermelon. The kids played some, and we all enjoyed some watermelon. Well, not everyone Keaton and Anderson do not eat watermelon. When we made it home, Keaton asked for a snack so I did offer her an apple. She was not pleased with that choice but must have been hungry because she accepted.
- The kids had their showers tonight. I was able to fold a load of clothes tonight, read to Whitman, read a chapter of a book to the girls, and trimmed everyone's fingernails. It was a bit nice to be productive. Now, if I really wanted to get ahead, I would get up right now and fold one more load of clothes and put away some dishes, but I guess I can find some time for that tomorrow.
- We didn't have too long to lay in bed this morning because we had to make not just one but two monkey breads for my Sunday school class. Now, we knew that 3rd graders wouldn't properly appreciate the monkey bread, but it was cheaper than other options plus we knew that the Dennie kids do properly value monkey bread since it is our Christmas Day treat.
- It was a good thing that I got out of bed since Robby had forgotten exactly how to make it. Everything was ready to go, but he thought that the gooey syrup went on afterwards. When the first pan was in the oven, we ran back to bed for just a few minutes. All too soon the timer was going off so the other monkey bread was put in the oven, and we started moving around pretty quickly.
- Whitman had to put on two Sunday shirts today since he got tooth paste on his shirt. I can't really complain since he was actually brushing his teeth with toothpaste. As soon as the other pan of monkey bread was pulled out of the even we headed to the church house.
- I missed big church today because I went with Campbell to her New Christian's Class. I have helped in there before, and the class is super great. Laurie does an awesome job-the try to Lord' supper cracker and juice, they see the baptistery, even go over a tithe chart plus so much more since they are in there for two hours.
- We had our lunch at Grannymom's house. After we ate, Anderson and I played a game of Sequence. He couldn't find any one else to play with him and since that is one of my favorite games, I obliged. Most everyone went to Dana's house for a few minutes leaving Whitman and Reagan at Grannymom's with us.
- As we were loading up into the car, Reagan joked to let her drive. Imagine her surprise, when Robby got out and said "okay." By this time she wasn't too sure about the whole thing. We convinced her to try and once she knew where the brake was, we were off.
- Whitman and I were buckled and holding hands in the back! She did really well for never having driven before. I don't even think that she has driven Robby's tractor. It took us a bit to get up the hill on Grannymom's street, and when we did get to the top there were lots of cars parked on the side so Robby didn't object when Reagan was done.
- When she climbed back in the car, Reagan's first words were "it got hot in here." Ha! I bet she was scared to death. After picking up the others, we drove on home and once we made it to our street, again Reagan became the driver.
- It took us a while to get home and down the long driveway. We made it, but when we stopped, Whitman shouted, "I thought we were going to die." Robby had made sure that the kids knew to hush it up in the back seat. We sure didn't need any backseat drivers!
- Once at home, we unloaded and Robby and I worked on supper for this evening. He browned some meat while I worked in the kitchen. Then we decided that we had time for a nap-Robby looked at the clock and said that we only had time for a 12 minute nap. That was kind of sad, but we did lay really still and quiet for 12 minutes.
- Then we all loaded up for the Childrens and Preteen Open House at church tonight. The kids were seeing their new Sunday school rooms. During the meeting, Whitman asked if he could get another cookie. I let him leave to get one. When he came back, he had the awfullest look on his face. He had bitten into an oatmeal raisin cookie. He was disgusted that he grabbed the wrong thing and had to choke down the bite. (They were delicious.) Campbell did go and get him another one so all was well.
- Afterwards, we headed to the pool. This was the first time in a long while that Reagan has actually swam. It was a bit warm, so I don't blame her for getting in the water. Now, Anderson and Graham don't always swim either, but tonight they had Cash with them so they were on cloud 9. The boys all played hard, maybe a bit too hard, but they had a blast.
- We dropped off most people, but Graham, Campbell and Keaton went to the Wilson's house late this evening. We didn't stay for too long but long enough to visit for a little bit. We made it home at 10 just in time for the last 3 to take their showers and hop into bed. Tomorrow school starts at 8 (hopefully) and the kids will be doing 2/3 of their school work. Wish us luck!
- What a wonderful Saturday this was. We didn't have anything on our calendar for today. It didn't even take long for Robby and I to find somewhere to go this morning. After laundry and the dishes, we headed off to Sams.
- They overcharged us for medicine at Sams the other day, so while they were fixing that, we looked all around the store. There were lots of things to buy, but nothing that we really needed. I have plans of getting rid of 200 things around here in the next week or so, so buying things won't help in my decluttering of the house.
- Next stop was Walmart where we found a few fun things to buy-we didn't spend over 11 dollars though. And yes, I know bringing home 6 pool noodles doesn't help with decluttering, but at 20 cents apiece how could I pass it up?
- By the time we made it to Kroger, everyone was awake so Campbell and Keaton continually were texting me asking where we were, when we would be home and sending me things to buy. We found plenty of things to buy without their help. The granola bars were quite the deal today so I do believe that we have about 30 boxes of those now in the pantry.
- When we came home, we unloaded our groceries, and then we all loaded up for lunch. If you brought a case of bottled water to a Firehouse Sub today, you would get a free medium sub. So we all carried in a case of bottled water. Well, Whitman couldn't carry his and Keaton barely made it in the door before a worker did come and help her.
- Our sandwiches were delicious, and afterwards we did run into Kroger one more time. Then it was home for a few little bit. Nonna and Pops came over for a little bit. Once they left, we picked up the Heltz kids and headed to Third Realm.
- It was a bit crowded there, but the kids had fun. When we came home, there were showers for the kids while we worked on supper. Operation clean out the freezer is still in effect-chicken nuggets, twice baked potatoes and edamame were all supper tonight.
- When they was cleaned up, the kids helped me slice some biscuits for my Sunday school snack tomorrow. Then we had a quiet rest of the evening before sending everyone to bed!
- One week down of school. We didn't kill each other and most work was done with excellence (not all though). I am bit worried what next week will bring since it is almost a full load. But I have the weekend not to think about that.
- Whitman did very well again today even though he was the last one finished. He is recovering well from his cold even though he still has a cough.
- School hasn't been without a few hiccups. Reagan did get one thing today so we just postponed it for Monday. Keaton and Whitman have one thing to do on their ipads, and they were acting up today. Hopefully, we will get everything sorted out before we have to leave for a trip.
- Around 11, everyone was finished with school, and we all headed out. Robby took the kids to Third Realm to meet up with the Heltz while I took a meal to a friend whose son is in the hospital.
- I met up with the jumpers, and when jumping was over I took the three littles to the pool for a little bit. We just stayed about 2 hours before heading home. The others had a few errands to run before they made it home-the most important errand to Graham was picking up a game for his xbox.
- On my way home with Keaton, Campbell and Whitman we stopped by the library. I was walking around looking for books for Whitman when I looked up and spotted my library bag. It was completely filled and books were stacked up at least a foot taller than my bag. I kid you not! And I still had 20 books on hold to pick up at the front. I did make those girls put some books back. Campbell told me that she wanted to be a reader to which I replied that she would have to put her ipad down to be a reader.
- It didn't seem like we were home long-just long enough for me to pull out next weeks school-when it was time to go again. Robby took the boys to basketball, and minutes after they left, I left with everyone else to run a few errands-Sams, Walmart and Target.
- Reagan found her some earrings while Keaton and Campbell were so excited when I let them buy a 50 cent notebook. And Whitman couldn't believe it when I let him buy an orange school box. We don't get many school supplies about here so it is the little things that make my people happy.
- After picking up the boys, we came home and I started working on supper. It took a bit but we basically emptied the freezer for our supper. We are trying to clean out some of our food around here. I am also going to try go clean out some of our junk around here. Next week, my goal is to begin finding 200 things to get rid of. I can't wait!
- It was after 9 when we finished supper. Whitman still had his shower to take-he is not scared to be in my bathroom/closet area by himself. He even will start crying before taking a shower. I stayed in my bedroom while he was in the shower so he was fine, but he still took a super short shower. I miss the days when he would take super long showers-I am sure that the water bill is pleased though.
- Graham was sound asleep by the time that we made everyone go to bed tonight. He did wake briefly to tell us good night. I guess he has played hard today on his new game. Actually, Anderson and he ran hard tonight during basketball and came home a sweaty mess.
- Well, we have created monsters. Reagan has said that she wants to redo her room, so in a moment of insanity Robby offered to paint the room. Though I am not sure who was more crazy since I said that we could do it before the end of the year. They are drawing pictures, making pinterest boards, and figuring out how much they can spend. I am afraid that these few moments of weakness will be expensive and lots of hard work for Robby and me.
- School day number 3 around here and everyone survived. I couldn't ask for anything more. I think that I do enjoy school much more when we do very little and when we start at 9. If we could always have this schedule, then I might just homeschool all year long-not sure if the kids would agree though.
- At one point this morning, Whitman was working on his phonics and said, "this doesn't take any time when you are busy thinking about playing on your ipad when you are finished." I can only hope that he continues thinking about his ipad during school.
- We were doing our morning reading when Candice called this morning. A friend's grandmother was taking her big girls out for the day and asked if someone else wanted to go with them. So they invited Reagan. It was pretty spur of the moment, but Reagan had a blast. They went to eat pizza, escaped in an escape room, went to two antique stores, ate ice cream and even went to another store. She enjoyed it, but she super enjoyed not having to do her school today. (No worries though since she will be able to catch up tomorrow.)
- On our new chore list, Keaton has to make lunch one time every other week. Today, she made cheese quesadillas for her lunch, and it must have been delicious because they ate all that she made. Reagan was gone but so was Campbell since she was running a lunch errand with Robby.
- After lunch, we ran to Third Realm. All of the crew was there so the kids super enjoyed it. We had thought that our passes expired next Thursday, but we did find out that we have until the end of the month. This will allow us to get a few more visits in. We are currently at 86 visits would works out to me paying about 67 cents per kid each time that we jump. And yes, I am the reason that they will never ever do that same deal again.
- Once we finished jumping, Graham and I ran an errand. One of his birthday shirts was a bit too small, so we returned it. We did upgrade from a tshirt to a long sleeved sweatshirt so he had to pay about 8 more dollars, but was super excited about it.
- On the way home, we picked up Reagan and instead of working on her school, she insisted that we work on a new shirt for her. we quickly cut out words to put on her shirt and used the heat press to put it on. She was pleased so I was also pleased!
- We went to the pool tonight as well. The big boys decided to stay home which was fine with me since they swam for 3 hours with me yesterday plus went to pool parties last night. Though they must have been a bit bored because Graham once text and said that he was going to work on his school for a little bit!
- When we made it home, it was time for showers and then eventually bedtime! Tomorrow is another busy day!
