September 10, 2012

Future Football Star!

(click here for today's pictures)

• I woke up this morning thinking that today was Saturday so when I figured out that it was not Saturday but it was Monday morning, I was sent straight into a bad mood.  Ha!  It was quickly lift by my shower and by the time I was out, Robby had gotten most of the kids ready for school.
• Since we did get a bit slower of a start this morning, the kids had to finish their breakfast in the car.  our first stop was Nonna's house to drop off Campbell and Keaton.  Keaton was happy to see Nonna and reached for Nonna as we walked in.  Campbell was ready to stand on the porch and wave bye to the rest of us.
• Graham was the next one to be dropped off this morning and he was happy to see that they were going to paint in his class this morning.  We asked about when they were going to sample chocolate and strawberry milk and that is not until Spring so we will have to stop trying to excite him about school with that each morning.
• Then we drove around and read a few chapters of our books while we waited for 8:40.  Anderson took his back pack from me in the hallway and walked into his class without even a goodbye.  And Reagan was happy to go to her class to since she was bringing cupcakes to celebrate her birthday.  Another girl was having a birthday this week too so they also had cookies.
• I worked for a bit and then ran home to do 6 hours of work in my one hour at home.  Then I headed to the library to pick up a book for me and then to pick up Graham from school.
• On the way home from school, I asked Graham if he played with the boys or the girls at school.  He snarled that he played with the boys and then added that he played with the girls "for just one minute so no one would know that he liked the girls."  And then he added "but I do like Keaton."
• Then we ate lunch at Nonna's house and played for awhile before heading home.  At home, Graham fussed for a few minutes-it is hard coming back to real life after leaving school.  When the little girls went down for a nap, Graham stayed by my side for the rest of the afternoon-and he talked and talked and talked and talked.  Seriously, I have never heard him talk so much.  I was trying to get a few things done and I tried my best to smile and say "uh huh" occasionally.  But he talked and talked and talked on-by the time Robby came home, I was ready to jump out of the window!
• Robby picked up Reagan and Anderson and after unloading they only have about 30 minutes to play before heading to football and cheerleading practice.  Football is coming along and by next month things might just be clicking-unfortunately the first game is Saturday.  Ha!  They are doing okay and do have one player that will be the star and probably score most of the goals.  (It isn't a Dennie-though Anderson isn't too bad and Graham, well, Graham is just 4 and enjoyed waving at Pops and looking at the grass tonight).  Now on the other side of the field, Reagan and the rest of her cheer leading team is looking really good.  Seriously, they will probably be throwing people up in the air in a few weeks (I don't think they really do that) but they are doing really good.
• After practice the kids ate their snacks and then I passed out supper for them to munch on.  After they had some supper they took off their shoes and socks and started running around on the wonderful grass.  Soon it was time to go home and time for everyone to hit the showers!
• Everyone is in bed now and I can hear Campbell saying "Anderson, what do you want to talk about?"  He keeps shouting back nothing but then she just asks him again.  

September 9, 2012

Birthday celebration at G-mom & G-pa's!

(click here for today's pictures)

• Campbell had started off the night in Graham's bed but at 12ish she called me up there asking if it was time to get up.  I laid with her for awhile trying to get her to go back to sleep but after 20 minutes of rubbing her back she was still wide eyed.  I then asked if she wanted to go back to her bed and she said yes.  She just isn't quite ready to make the big bed switch.
• Even with only three kids at home this morning, we were quite a bit later than usual.  This might have been due to Robby going back to sleep with Campbell when she woke up this morning.  And maybe the girls enjoying their donuts quite a bit longer than they should have.  
• The boys woke up with Cash and had pancakes for breakfast (they enjoyed their pancakes from supper so much that they wanted a repeat) and then they headed to Cash's church.  The report was that they like Cash's class better because it wasn't so long and their big church was middle-ish big.
• Keaton fussed when I dropped her off and then Campbell followed suit but was happy by the time I walked back by her window from dropping Reagan off.  Sitting in church was quite a bit different with only Reagan in big church.
• Then we headed to Grannymom's house for lunch.  She started Reagan's birthday week off with a candle and a few rounds of Happy Birthday.  Then everyone ventured outside for a bit of playing before we came home.
• At home, the kids had time to watch a few movies and time for me to paint Reagan's fingernails before it was again time for church.  I dropped Reagan, Anderson and Graham off at choir and I think that they all had a pretty good time.  Anderson and Graham were in the class for a bit together which made me happy.  When I dropped them off some other boys in the room were running around and I had to remind mine that we were not going to run.  Shortly after a teacher had everyone sit down and Graham and Anderson sat at different tables.  So I peeked back in to tell Graham to go and sit by his brother.  
• Robby fed the little girls their supper and then they headed to church.  We met in time to drop Campbell off in her class and then we headed back into big church.  Reagan said "we have to go to church again?"  
• We did have one fiasco while passing the offering plate. Reagan was the first to pass it but forgot to put in her money and then Graham grabbed it and wasn't going to pass it to Anderson.  This struggle over the plate made Anderson's money to fall out which let Graham to shout "Anderson, your money!"    Thankfully the music was concert loud tonight and most of the sanctuary didn't hear us.
• Back at home, the rest of us had supper and then the Sunday night ice cream truck came and the kids all picked out a frozen treat from our ice cream box.  Then it was bedtime for the crew-Sunday's are just tiring because they were all asleep pretty quick.

September 8, 2012

Doughnut celebration!

(click here for today's pictures)

• Last night as we were going to bed, Robby told Reagan that we would probably go and get donuts for her birthday in the morning.  And then he asked if she wanted everyone to go or just the two of them-this quickly caught the boys attention and they started whispering "us, us" and "everybody" to Reagan.  She agreed that we should all go...
• And as soon as they were up, everyone was ready to go.  While I was getting out of the shower, everyone else was climbing into the van.  I usually always leave the house with wet hair but this morning my hair was still dripping as we drove off.  
• I guess Reagan is getting big-she didn't want to wear her birthday hat while we were singing to her.  That makes me sad.  Though she was very happy to blow out her candles on her birthday donut.  Poor Campbell continues to ask us when her birthday is-I had to tell her today that her birthday would be after Reagans, Keatons, Robbys, Andersons, Danas and Shelleys but then it will be her birthday.  Poor thing-we may have to have her a half birthday next year.
• As we were climbing into the car at the doughnut place I was in the back buckling everyone and Anderson asked me "Why do you love me more than everyone else?"  I was speechless-how do you answer that in front of all of the kids? I told him that I love everyone the most but he wasn't convinced that I didn't love him more than the others.  I guess all the kids should think I love them the most.  
• We did a little schooling today-a spanish lesson-in the aisles of Walmart.  Ha!!  We did survive letting the kids go to Walmart.  The kids are great in restaurants because they are used to eating out but we hardly ever take them to a store so their behavior isn't as great.  But we still made it and we provided a bit of entertainment to the folks at Walmart as we walked out of the store in a single file line.  I never asked them to do that-Robby just said follow Mom and Reagan lined everyone up-probably by age and height.  I just tried to walk quickly so people wouldn't think I was with all those kids following me!
• At home, we all ended up sitting on the patio and then eating outside.  The kids then found their shoes and played.  Graham and then Campbell came in and had their shower and we just stuck Keaton in the shower with them (keeps her happy and contained).  I was leaving for a baby shower and told Robby I would get a visual on Reagan and Anderson before I left but after walking all the way around the house I checked inside to see that they were already joining the others in the shower.  
• They rested and played this afternoon and then loaded up again.  I met them at Dana's house and we dropped the boys off for a night with Cash.  They were both so excited and couldn't wait.  Reagan, Keaton and Campbell went to Sams-enjoyed an icee and picked out cupcakes for Reagan to take to school on Monday. 
• Back at home, Robby watched the ball game and the girls and I put the tablecloth on the table, made menus, lit candles and had us a fancy dinner with a waitress (Reagan).  After our meal, I did some laundry while playing Go Fish with Reagan and Campbell.  Campbell did really well playing tonight...considering she doesn't know her numbers!
• Then it was bedtime and Campbell went to sleep in Graham's bed-we will see if that lasts.  As we tucked them in, Reagan was telling Campbell that she would be right there if she needed her-sweet sisters.

September 7, 2012

Field Trip Friday!

(click here for today's pictures)

• Last night as we were outside, Robby had the fire blazing and a deer ran across the yard.  We were all standing there and saw it go across.  The kids asked why it was running and Robby said that it must have gotten scared.  Anderson added "it was scared because of the forest fire."  We had to explain that our burn pile was no forest fire.
• Working in the yard last night wiped the kids out and everyone was still snoozing after 7.  Graham was the first one up but stopped in the toy room before coming downstairs and then Keaton woke and had her bottle in our bed.
• The kids had Nonna's banana bread for breakfast.  Anderson told me that I just had to get the recipe for that.  I guess that I should make it more often.  Graham so wanted me to give some to Keaton and when I told him there wasn't enough for her too, he took some of his bread and gave it to her.  He also told me that Nonna not only had banana bread but also had strawberry bread (but that Nonna didn't let him have any of that).
• We were able to leave at 8:45 just liked planned and on the way Anderson said "Why'd you trade our old house?"  It took me awhile to figure out why he brought this up and the reason apparently was when we lived at Gamble we didn't smell skunks like we do now when we leave the house.  
• The Dennies met us at the Historic Arkansas Museum and they were told that there was no tour on Fridays.  I was so disappointed but we still went ahead and paid.  Well come to find out, there isn't a tour on Fridays but it was still what I would call a tour.  I guess since we had about 7 character guides instead of one person it wasn't really considered a tour.  Whatever it was, it was wonderful and the kids were absolutely perfect.
• We saw gardens and the kids picked a banana pepper.  The guide passed out cotton to everyone and Reagan now wants to plant a cotton bush.  We saw a printing press, a fence growing out of some type of prickly tree, learned about an outhouse and even tried out a corn husk broom.  
• I was so very impressed and the kids seemed to really enjoy it.  Now for my Campbell that was a lot of walking and a lot of being quiet.  By the end, each time we would stop she would just sit down on the floor.  After we looked in the gift shop, Campbell brought up needing to go potty and was still as dry as she could be.  Amazing child to teach herself when to go potty-I guess when it is time it is really time.  
• Keaton was a perfect child as well.  She sat in her stroller pretty much the entire time and was fine when we had to put her back in each time we came from an upstairs house.  She was so happy to get to try out one of the old timey beds and just grinned.  
• As we were finishing, Robby walked over and met us.  Then he walked with us to the rivermarket to eat.  I had chicken fried rice and the kids split a piece of pizza.  Then they each had shaved ice.  I believe that they ate those icees for at least 30 minutes.  We didn't leave until every last drop of everyone's was gone.  Then we said goodbye to Grannymom and Grandpa and walked across the street to catch the trolley.  Robby had already left to meet his work people for a birthday lunch.  
• We waited and waited on the trolley to arrive.  The kids were patient and thankfully there was a bench in the shade that we waited on.  Eventually (after about 30 minutes) it did come and we started our trip.  
• Us waiting did work out well for Robby who was able to meet us when he finished his lunch.  Though he had to walk briskly to find our next trolley stop and then the trolley driver didn't stop.  Robby was standing by the sign and I asked "isn't this a stop?" and she replied "no one was there."  I explained that yes, my husband was there but she pointed him to the next stop just a block away.  Robby thought for sure that the driver wouldn't stop again if he wasn't there so he booked it to that stop.  Needless to say, he was a sweaty mess when he boarded the trolley.  But the kids were so happy to see him again.  
• We rode across the river and then back across before we hopped out.  Robby got us to our car and then we passed out juiceboxes and cookies to everyone (I had bought my cookies at the river market for 25 cents apiece-pretty good deal).  We dropped Robby off and then headed home.  
• By the time we made it home, I looked back and had 4 asleep.  Thankfully two of them were just kidding, so I only had two to lift out of the van and haul to their beds.  
• Everyone else watched a movie for a bit and I rested up since I hear the plan tonight is to work in the yard again.  Then the doorbell rang and the neighbor kids were ready to play so we all eventually ventured out.
• While we were putting our shoes on, I heard terrified screams coming from the kids.  I could tell something was coming in the garage and assumed it must have been a black bear or a copperhead from the screams.  But when I looked up it was just our 80 year old dog Belle limping into the garage.    Her cord was broken so she had wondered up to us.  Campbell and Graham had already found their way into the house by the time I got up.  
• My favorite part of the day was when Graham then came out of the front door to check on where Belle was and he ended up face to face with her.  I really didn't see this happen-I only saw a flash and could tell that it was Graham running back into the house.
• I finally found a rope and tied it to Belle and then the kids were walked by Belle all through the yard.  They loved it and Belle and the kids got quite a bit of exercise.  Robby eventually made it home and we all worked in the yard until it was almost dark.  
• While outside Keaton was playing with her empty bottle and would throw it down for Campbell to pick up.  Campbell would scold her about holding on to her bottle and Keaton would just giggle.  Those two girls are going to be a mess someday.  
• The kids helped me pick up sticks and rocks, had fun swinging, pulling each other in the wagon, ate a few popsicles, played with bubbles and rode their bikes in the driveway for a bit.  Then it was time for come in and shower off.
• We had supper and then went to bed.  During prayer time last night, Robby was praying and Campbell was imitating the last few words of his sentences and then Campbell busted out with "thank you I peepee in the potty."  And yes, thank you God that Campbell is peepeeing in the potty! 

September 6, 2012

Keaton has started taking her 1st steps!

(click here for today's pictures)
(click here for a quick video of Keaton walking!)

• Before 7, the upstairs crew was going strong-fighting and fussing.  Graham was eventually called downstairs to sit in a chair and be quiet while everyone else rested for the last 4 minutes before 7.  Those last 4 minutes of quietness are just the best!  
• Robby then went upstairs to get everyone ready while I headed to the shower.  Campbell started off the morning dry and then pottied off and on pretty much all day.  It is funny how things just click in their little minds.
• Graham went to school and must have had a good day there because he said that school was the best part of his day.  Though Nonna picking him up must have ranked pretty high as well.  They had some banana bread (Graham had asked Nonna for some last week), made fresh squeezed orange juice, played with play doh and even had a nap.  We were about to go and pick him up when Nonna called saying he was sleeping so he was able to stay until Pops had to head to see Beebee.  Poor guy though has a rash all over his little body-hopefully cream and benedryl tonight will take care of it.
• When Robby brought the other 4 home this afternoon, Keaton was sound asleep.  She had had a big morning practicing her WALKING!  She had an afternoon nap and then sat contently in the stroller while we worked in the yard.  But tonight after a bit more practice, Robby and I decided that we can officially call that girl a walker!  She so enjoyed walking back and forth to Robby and me tonight.  I bet that by her birthday she will really be walking well.
• Reagan and Anderson did school this afternoon and did wonderfully.  Sometimes it is nice doing school with just them-they can get their stuff done so much quicker but it is much more fun (and challenging) when everyone else is around and awake.  Anderson was really gotten into coloring lately and was so excited when I told him that he could color as I read history.
• After school we all joined Robby outside-he had been working/burning off and on all day long.  We were all picking up sticks when Reagan said "why are we doing all of this work?"  I had to remind her that there is going to be a big party at our house in a few days.  She quickly figured out who's party I was talking about and started picking up sticks as fast as she could.  
• Our yard looked like a war zone after the storms from last week but after picking up sticks and Robby using his leaf/stick picker upper on his mower the yard looks pretty good.  Actually it looks really good and it won't take him long to mow and clean up some more before Reagan's party.
• Oh, the kids were hot and hungry tonight.  They helped us for a bit, all had a turn on the tractor, spent some time swinging, ate a popsicle and stayed outside pretty much until we came in.  Once inside, everyone had showers-Keaton started off in the little shower and then crawled herself towards the other shower and then turned around and headed back to where she was.  She was promptly put in the shower that had a door on it!
• Supper, movie and bed were what was up next!  Good busy day!

September 5, 2012

Studying the Earth!

(click here for today's pictures)

• This morning started out pretty much like usual.  I really can't even remember what all happened before breakfast.  I do remember the boys asking me if they could watch a movie during breakfast and then getting out of my shower to see that they had convinced their Daddy to turn one on for them.
• Campbell was ready for me to get Keaton's clothes on her this morning-probably because she wore her pajamas all day yesterday.  But I was just making up for the night before that when she went to sleep in her clothes.  I do think she actually prefers being only in her diaper all day long.
• And speaking of diapers-my Campbell is just about to potty train herself.  Seriously!  If she hears or sees someone else going potty, she will dart in there and try to get on the potty before they do and then have a fit screaming that she needs to go potty now.  Don't get me wrong-we aren't close to wearing big girl underwear but she probably potties in the potty half of the time now.  Maybe it will happen by three.
• We did our school this morning and then I finally got around to letting them do one activity I had been telling them about-we made the layers of the earth with playdoh.  They were so proud of themselves and then played with the playdoh for at least an hour.  I really should pull the playdoh out more often-though it is a huge mess to clean up.  
• And speaking of cleaning up-I now feel like I am a teacher all morning, a maid in the afternoon and then an exhausted old lady at night.  Ha!  Around 4 today, I started getting everyone ready to go to church-I truly think that Awana is the best program that our church does.  Truly outstanding-they all have a blast but more importantly they learn so many Bible verses.  Every child should go to Awana (now stepping off soapbox).....but all that to say, Wednesday nights are the hardest night of the week.    We have to leave so early and rush all afternoon and then gobble down supper.  And then we get home late and the kids are wired, hungry and not ready to go to sleep.  Now despite all of that Awana is still worth it and I do feel better now that I am finished complaining!
• The kids all did great at church tonight-Reagan was happy to be back in Sparks and it was all new to Anderson and he told me all about the games that they played on the way home.  Graham is now the big boy on his side and was pleased to have me outside his room working.  Campbell had a snack, made a craft and even saw puppets (featuring Robby as the voice as Cubbie and me as the voice of the elephant and the zebra.)  Keaton did fine in her class and was swinging and drinking a bottle when I came to pick her up.
• Back at home, everyone had a snack and some milk before heading to bed.  Campbell informed us that she wanted to sleep in Reagan's bed tonight-that request was denied and she was not happy with us at all.

September 4, 2012

Skating by the rail!

(click here for today's pictures)

• Graham arrived in our bed around 6 this morning and then we all slept until 7:30.  Then everyone started stirring and Graham got ready for school.  We all had breakfast and then Robby loaded Graham up.  Campbell was pretty upset that she didn't get to buckle up Graham's seat belt so Robby asked if she wanted to go with them and of course she did (Robby was working from home so he was coming back to the house).
• As soon as they left, I finished cleaning the kitchen and cleaning Keaton-that child is a messy eater! And then we started school.  Time just flew by because we were not finished when the doorbell rang. I thought it was the plumber but had forgotten that it was time for Nonna to come over so I could run to work. 
• Campbell wanted to play upstairs with Nonna and Reagan and Anderson were busy coloring flags when I left.  On my way home from work, I picked up Graham and I think he had a good day.  Though on his way out of the building he put his paper on his head and got glue in his hair.  I am sure this caused some type of scene because he said later "everyone laughed at me."  Graham is Mr. Sensitive but was soon happy and talking about his day.
• We came home and I heated up leftovers for all of us.  While I was doing this, Graham and Reagan fussed, fought and feuded.  It was like he was having a hard time adjusting to being home or she was having a hard time adjusting to him being back in the mix.  Either way, it wasn't pretty.
• After lunch, Nonna went home and we tried to finish school (almost but didn't make it).  Then I scrambled around putting Keaton and Campbell to bed while whispering to the others to potty, comb hair and get their shoes on.  Then we headed to the Terry library for homeschool story time.  
• Story time was good-read a few books about gun (fiction and nonfiction), tried gum and made a craft.  Next week someone from Pinnacle Mountain is coming to the story time.  It was good for the kids and they have a zillion books at that library compared to Rooker's 12 books that they have.  But that library is so, so far away now.  
• But after the library, I pulled into the skate place and the kids were so excited.  Reagan asked if we were going skating for her birthday.  I didn't think quickly enough to say that we were.  We paid for our skating and grabbed our skates.  It had been awhile since Reagan and Anderson had skated and that was obvious.  By the end, they still clung to the wall but were at least picking up speed.  Graham has only skated once before and my, my, my, next time we go I think I will need to wear shin guards and boots.  It took me and the wall to hold him up and I am betting that my back will be killing me in the morning.  
• They did have fun though and the boys probably sweated buckets.  Reagan went around a few more times than the boys but they were so excited to take their skates off and go and look at the video games.  
• Back at home, when Keaton and Campbell woke from their nap they had lots of Daddy time.  Campbell asked where we were and Robby said we were running errands.  That appeased Campbell and she then asked to play on Robby's ipad.  She found the videos and watched a few over and over of the kids dyeing Easter eggs.  Then she found a game with some animals on it.  After "playing" that for a bit, she told Robby "let's go to the zoo.  I will get my shoes."  She didn't seem to mind too much about missing to the zoo but she did ask me when we got home if we were going to the zoo.  We will have to plan a zoo trip very soon for Campbell.
• I brought supper home with us and then after we ate, Robby ran to the Stotts' to work on their computers.  I worked here doing laundry and then read the kids a zillion books before tucking them in.  Then the dishes and treadmill for me.  Now that Robby is home I am going to try to convince him to eat a snack with me!