- This morning we were leaving for cooking camp along with swim team practice. Campbell once again had a great time at her camp. She came home with focaccia bread which was absolutely delicious along with homemade linguine, marinara and meatballs. That girl is in her element in that camp. (Robby said that there was a spot open for next weeks camp too (Culinary II) and if it wasn't so dang expensive we would send her again!)
- Robby drove the bus to swim practice. He picked up the neighbors on the way there. He was able to run a few errands during it and pick up a few things that we need for this weekend. He even bought them a drink and some cookies while at the store.
- Before we could put away the things that Robby bought along with the groceries that were delivered, Keaton was asking to make a cake. And make a cake she did-a two layer iced cake with flowers all over it. She did a great job and needed minimal help. I think that she wanted to have her own cooking school here at home.
- Graham went birthday shopping with Nonna and Pops this morning. They went to H and M, Nike, Bass Pro, and Academy. They might have been even gone to a few stores that I have forgotten about. I know that Graham had a blast out shopping and even had lunch at ChickFilA.
- I worked with Whitman this afternoon-and for some reason it took forever. I have been slowly adding in things that we have to do for school, but gracious his mind was elsewhere today. He was probably thinking about things like "if you hair loses melanin when you age and changes colors, why don't your eyes change colors too as you age since they have melanin in them?" (Actual Whitman question from the other day-eye color does get darker as you age due to increased melanin)
- Anderson and Graham went to a Bible study at Rock Creek tonight. I think that they enjoyed it. They came home with a book-so that is a good sign. Brett drove them and even hung out a little when they returned home.
- By the time that they did return home, there was a house full of Reagan's friends here (mostly girls but one boy). That crew hung out mostly in the bonus room, but did manage to play outside some. I think that there was a basketball game of some kind that happened.
- Robby took Whitman, Campbell and Keaton to the pool. We tried all day long to get our buddies to join us but never got any takers. So he took them to swim for a few hours this evening. That did help Reagan out since her little sisters want to be like her and hang out with her friends.
- When the swimmers came home tonight, we cut Keaton's cake and pretty much devoured every bit of it. We did just have a little bit to save for tomorrow so I am sure that will be gone before people have finished getting their breakfasts.
July 14, 2021
July 13, 2021
- Day 2 of cooking school for Campbell. Today was all about Mexican food. She made tortillas, beef, pico, guacamole, and rice. Campbell was so proud to bring all of this home from her class. That girl just beams when she leaves the building. By the end of the day, Graham and Keaton had all decided that they want to do cooking school next year too, and Campbell of course is planning on going back.
- Today was also Terrific Tuesday for Keaton and Whitman. They were just at the church for 2 hours, but I think that they had a blast. Their activity today was escape rooms-they were in groups and had to solve puzzles. I think they had fun even though some one moaned that they were all Bible puzzles.
- And our final out of the house activity tonight was a swim meet. For perspective, our team scored 70 something points and the other team scored over 200 points. Graham and Campbell did end up with a 3rd place ribbon for one of their strokes. The kids all did really well and tried hard. However, the other team was just a bit more serious than we are. Whitman swam the freestyle last time, but this time he did his freestyle, backstroke and participated in 2 relays with little grumbling at all.
- Let's see what all happened here at home-there was lots of chores though I seem like I might be the only one really doing them these days. That's fine-the kids can have their summer off, but school/routine is right around the corner.
- We played a bit more of our Monopoly game. Keaton is just barely hanging in there and has even started to have to sell her properties. I did somehow end this round with quite a bit of money so hopefully it stays that way.
- Anderson and Reagan had to watch the dog and make supper while we were at the swim meet. Anderson heated up our meatballs while Reagan made mashed potatoes. It was hot and ready when we arrived home so that was pretty perfect.
- Robby and I took the dog on another walk tonight at the kids showered. Tomorrow is day 3 of cooking school, swim practice and birthday shopping for Graham.
July 12, 2021
- When I was little and people asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I never thought to answer "a chauffeur." However, that is certainly what I am now! All weekend long plus from what the calendar looks like, that is what I am going to be this week as well.
- My first passenger this morning was Campbell. This was her long awaited cooking school! She was given cooking camp from Pulaski Tech for a Christmas gift in 2019. Of course silly Covid messed that up, and there was no camp this year. Thankfully, there is camp this year-she has to wear a mask, but we will take it.
- At 6:30 when Robby went to take Bentley out, Campbell was standing in the kitchen ready to go. She was so excited that she happily chatted the entire way there. Once there, I dropped her off for her adventure.
- I did receive two pictures from her-one a selfie telling me she made it in and the other was a picture of what all she had chopped plus something on her finger. I later found out that she cut her finger when laying her knife down. She said that she wasn't the only one who did that today.
- She was in a group with about 7 other kids, and they were busy all day long. When she came back to the car at noon, she was carrying the fruits of her labor-a frittata, a biscuit and strawberry shortcake. (She even brought some extra insides of the frittata home and made Robby and I one for supper tonight-it was quite delicious)
- When we picked her up, Robby did join me-but after waiting in Campbell's pick up line, we needed a Sonic drink. Then we also picked up pizza since I was carting my crew along with 3 girls that spent the night to the pool.
- It was a crew at the pool for sure today. This was actually the first time that all the pool mommas have been there together. It was quite entertaining to see how we completely took over the pool. 28 kids were there today with our group-that is a lot of people (plus the deep end was closed so it was pretty crowded!)
- After the pool, I only had my crew to bring home. Robby had already run Bentley to the vet for her heartworm shot. Ugh, it made her sick for a little bit-I just think that she has a tender tummy.
- Once we ate our supper from Campbell, we loaded up with Keaton, Campbell, and Whitman to go and see Grannymom and Grandpa for a few minutes.
- While we were there, Keaton received a change of plans invitation to spent the night with a friend. So when we returned home, we made the last run of the day to drop her off. It was a busy day, but my Campbell has so much fun this morning at her camp, that we are just super excited for her.
July 11, 2021
- Sunday morning wasn't too rushed today. Robby even had time to take Bentley on a morning walk. I think that she is becoming dependent on those walks to do her potty business, and I don't think that is such a good thing.
- We left on time and were able to sit with all of the buddies today since the services were combined. Anderson did actually ditch us and sit with a group of teenagers in the front. A few weeks ago, I wanted to take a pictures of all of my people sitting in the pew with their Bibles in their laps. I didn't...and now I wonder if I can ever get them back in the same pew.
- Sunday school was fine today. We had a smaller group than usual which meant teaching was easier. We have such a good group. I will kind of be sad when our group moves up a grade.
- Our lunch was at Nonna and Pops' house. Keaton delivered her cookies that she made yesterday along with Pops' monthly socks from our Sock of the Month Club. Nonna had Mexican with my favorite corn dip.
- We played a few rounds of Racko before we finally headed home to get Bentley out. Campbell was gracious enough to watch Bentley this afternoon while Robby and I had a short nap. She didn't give them any problems-they were able to stare at their ipads while making sure that dog didn't eat any furniture (though I don't have any furniture down here that I would be upset if the dog ate-well, I take that back. I'm not ready to get new furniture just yet.)
- Reagan had a birthday party at 5 today so I took her and Kennedy there. Then Robby took the boys to Rock Creek for their youth's Sunday night service. And finally we all met up at the pool for a little bit. Robby did pick up some Taco Bell for our supper.
- We were worried at first because the thunder caused the kids to stay out of the pool some. However, it soon stopper thundering, and the kids were able to swim for the rest of the evening. It was a perfect day to sit by the pool because the weather was so nice-I am afraid that tomorrow when we go, the weather will not be so pleasant.
- Robby picked up the boys and brought them back to the pool for a few minutes. Then we all headed home at 8 when the pool closed. The boys did grab some food at McDonalds on the way home. The next stop for me is picking up Reagan around 10 and then bedtime for this crew-tomorrow is a busy week.
July 10, 2021
- This morning started off with swim practice for Campbell, Keaton, Graham and Whitman. Now Whitman usually moans and groans most times that we leave the house. However for swim, he just gets up, puts on his suit and doesn't seem to mind at all. Now he still isn't keen on competition, but practice he is all about.
- While they were gone, I did my morning routine-dishes, laundry, walk the dog. I did brush her today-usually when I brush her the hair just comes off and floats away in the air. I try to brush her until I can't see any hair, however I never get there and just have to stop. Now, today, I couldn't see the hair at all-maybe I just didn't have my contacts in or maybe she doesn't shed on Saturdays. That would be handy.
- When the swimmers arrived home, Robby and I started on a little table at the foot of Anderson's bed. We set the tent up and were in the shade at most of the time that we were working. We actually finished fairly quickly, and I started painting it.
- I did take a break painting it, to walk with Keaton, Campbell and Whitman down the road to the little church for a snow cone treat. They enjoyed them and the walk was nice-but hot.
- I also took the big boys to Rock Creek again for the day. They were there all day again. When they came home, they were both chattering away-their team won first place. Yesterday, they told us that there team wasn't too athletic, but I guess that still managed a win.
- Anderson asked if they could go back tomorrow night for their youth group's regular service. Of course the answer was yes since the kids can always to go to church. There was even talk of going on their summer camp trip next year too. I am so glad that they had a great time.
- Campbell helped Robby mow the yard this afternoon. She really enjoyed mowing, and I couldn't watch! Robby said that she was very cautious-that's a good thing.
- We spent our evening at the pool-there was a party there and not many other folks. It was a pretty perfect evening for the pool. The Wilson's picked up the boys, and we all met back here for ice cream.
- They brought Annie, and the dogs were pretty good....for a little bit. Bentley eventually started getting a bit scary looking and barking! I don't know what her problem was-silly dog. I do know that she has to start obeying without treats!-maybe we need to start working on that!
July 9, 2021
- Early this morning Bentley I did our morning walk. I sometimes can't figure out this dog out-occasionally, today she would get skittish and stop walking. Who knows what she saw or heard. I can usually get her to come after a few seconds, but always in the back of my mind I wonder if she is seeing something real or protecting us from something-bear, scary man, rabid dog, big foot?
- I worked with Whitman this morning, but the biggest activity was cleaning Campbell's desk. I hope to do Keaton's tomorrow. Campbell's desk only took 30 minutes-and I know that since we set a timer. She was not pleased with the idea of cleaning it-I certainly was though!
- I did take a break from cleaning the potties at the house, to take Anderson and Graham to Rock Creek for the entire day. On the way there, we did drop Campbell off to join Keaton with the Hetlz. They went swimming for a few hours this afternoon.
- After dropping off the boys, Reagan drove on to Walmart to buy shampoo with her extra mission trip money. Then we went to Old Navy where she ended up buying some jeans at H and M. From there, she had be drive, but we did stop by ChickFilA for her lunch.
- Once at home, I finished with those potties before taking a quick nap. Then it was time for the rest of us to load up to head to the pool. There were some buddies there, but unfortunately, the kids couldn't swim in the deep end since it was cloudy-that doesn't sound clean! Ha!
- We stayed long enough that when we did come home, we only had a bit before Robby and I left to pick up the boys. Well, we did leave a bit early so we could stop by Sonic.
- The boys had a blast at their thing today. They told us all about it on the way home. It was soon bedtime for our crew though because tonight is Friday night which means bedtime is optional (though my big boys are good about making Whitman go to sleep by midnight!)
July 8, 2021
- In the mornings after Bentley has been awake for a little bit, she has no interest in staying in our room. She only wants to leave our room and first eat her breakfast. Then she only wants to go outside. She will actually let the whole house know that she wants out the door with her continuous barks.
- For some reason she is a little bit restless, I guess, in the mornings. So I have been trying to take her on a walk. The walks aren't that long, but they do seem to calm her morning barking. After our walks, I have been brushing her outside.
- Today, I forgot the brush so we returned back inside for that. I brush her on the patio table so I can reach her easier-this has been going on since she was little. However, today was the first time that she tried to jump on the table-she almost made it, but ended up back on the ground. I guess she likes our early morning brushing sessions.
- The kids were not awake very early at all today. Whitman was even up after his brothers. We did some more spelling-a new spelling book shouldn't make me so happy, but I am. Then we read some of his Harry Potter book.
- Everyone has a little bit of school work to do this summer. Some do theirs very well (Keaton), and some don't (I probably should name names!) The ones that don't do theirs very well are just kind of doing extra stuff. Now Keaton is already working on her 4th grade stuff so that will be helpful this next school year.
- Now no one is doing any math this summer. And I know that will be a mistake, but it has made my summer more pleasant! Ha! I guess there is a trade off. I am not too stressed about it-well, I'm always stressed about school.
- For example, this year most of my big kids friends will not be at Bible study this year. They will be at their co-ops or even real school. My big 3 are already a bit bummed about this and would happily skip. However, I know that out of all that we do, Bible study is the most important so it (in some form) is really non-negotiable. So I've been busy praying for new, good friends from Bible study for my peeps.
- We did play some more of our Monopoly game today. I believe that Graham will probably end up winning. I have a slight chance-we both have houses built on our properties. Now, he does have some spots that now cost 1500 dollars so basically if one person lands on that, then they are done.
- Campbell, Keaton and I went to the pregnancy center today. On our way, we stopped at TJ Maxx for Keaton to buy a water bottle. I tried to convince her to let us buy it for her birthday, but she had to have it now.
- We were able to help quite a bit today at the pregnancy center. Keaton and Campbell bagged up diapers while I tried to fold clothes. Then we worked on organizing two different closets. They were crammed full of things, but hopefully we were able to make them a little bit straighter.
- On our way home, we ran by Walmart for buns for supper. Then we were at home for a few minutes before we all loaded up again for the pool. Robby had grilled burgers for us to eat there, and they were perfect-or maybe I was just hungry.
- We swam with all of the buddies until lightening cut our visit short by a few minutes. That was fine since it gave us a bit more time at home before bedtime.
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