February 8, 2013

Kennedy comes to visit!

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• Whenever I am pregnant, I become a very hard sleeper and don't really hear much going on.  Last night he heard Campbell coughing off and on but sleeping fine.  But this morning when she woke up, she was still feverish so I called for an appointment as soon as the clock struck 8.
• Even though I made sure that I was on the phone at 8, we still moved fairly slow this morning.  So we had our breakfasts at our school desk.  Graham was still at Nonna's house so with one less (any one less-just one less) we moved fairly quickly.  
• And since we wouldn't be home around nap time, I did put Keaton down for an early nap.  She is on a screaming fit lately-at 10 in the morning and 6 at night she becomes a screamy child.  During her nap, the rest of us worked on Anderson's Valentine's day box, read history and then we had our lunch.
• As soon as lunch was over, Campbell started feeling bad again.  I was about to take a picture of her laying in the hallway but opted not to.  I gathered everyone else around her, pulled up Keaton's high chair while she had her late lunch and started reading a Magic Tree House to the kids.  It was the one when they were on the Titanic and Graham was terrified since he knew what happened on the real Titanic.  
• We then loaded up and dropped everyone off but Campbell.  She didn't get her spot in the van and I made her mad when I changed her shoes so she was not a happy camper.  And at the doctor's office, she was pitiful.  Probably the 103+ fever that she had didn't help.  
• One ear was infected and the other was fine.  But Dr. Martin thought she might have something more than just an ear infection-something more ominous-something like the flu!  So we had the flu test and then we waited for the results.  The results were good, good, good-no flu!  Woo hoo!  
• After we left the doctor, we did go to Sams and pick Campbell up a coke and her medicine.  Kennedy even met us there and she came to Grannymom's house with us.  Campbell wasn't getting out of the van because she thought that meant she would have to share her drink.  We picked up everyone but Anderson since he was going to spend the night with Grannymom and headed home.
• When we made it home, the girls played outside for a bit but Graham fell and bumped his head.  And he just started screaming and screaming and screaming.  And things went downhill from there.  When he finally calmed, he tried to play upstairs but he felt left out of the girls play so he started whining.  Thankfully, we weren't home too long before Robby made it back otherwise, Graham was headed to the front porch.
• He did calm some after talking with Robby but opted to stay on my bed while Robby, Campbell and Keaton took a walk.  Kennedy and Reagan contentedly played upstairs until it was time to eat.  We ate at Whole Hog and by this time, Campbell was feeling good.  And she was feeling great by the time we made it to Orange Leaf.  
• Once we came home, Kennedy and Reagan started playing again while Graham and Campbell had baths and then watched a movie with us and read a story before bed.  Now everyone is on the couch watching a show before bedtime.  

February 7, 2013

Frizzy hair day?

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• I was having the best dream last night about somebody's baby crying.  It was the best dream because it wasn't my baby and I didn't have to worry about it.  Unfortunately, I woke up and it was my baby fussing.  I laid in bed listening to her scream and Robby snore.  I eventually went to check on her, change her diaper and get her back to sleep.  That didn't work so I quietly brought her to our bed.
• That little thing didn't want for me to touch her in any way but she wanted to lay on my big belly, or on my neck or even my head.  She would be still until I had to move her-Baby 6 was kicking the fire out of me with Keaton laying on top of her.  Keaton did eventually notice the noise coming from the other side of the bed and started to grab at Robby.  I was trying to keep her still and quiet since it was almost time for him to get up and run but after she woke him up, he told me that he wasn't going to run so early this morning.  I was trying to wait her out and put her back to bed to scream when he got up but since he wasn't getting up early, back to bed she went.
• Campbell and Graham were the first ones up.  Robby told them to go upstairs and bring down their clothes and that they did.  I made their breakfast and by that time Anderson was up and asking to eat as well.  As soon Robby and Campbell took Graham to school, I told Reagan and Anderson to go and start on school.  I even had them go and wake up Keaton to do this.
• I moved Keaton's high chair so she could watch Reagan and Anderson "work" while I had my shower.  Robby's only errands this morning were dropping of Graham and then washing the van.  So we had to hurry, hurry to get school done.  We did pretty good and once Campbell and Robby made it home, they all eventually disappeared upstairs with Keaton.  Robby gave those girls baths and gave us quite a bit more time to finish school.  By 10:30 even Anderson was finished and we were all having a snack reading science.
• I dropped them all off at Grannymom's house while I ran to Walmart and Kroger.  They had a big time at Grannymom's house but by the time I got there, my Campbell was feeling a bit warm.  And as soon as we came inside the house, I saw Reagan getting her a pillow and then covering her up on the couch.  She slept off and on for a bit and then followed me around with her pillow while I did laundry upstairs and then downstairs.  
• She has had a bit of a cough just in the mornings and a slight runny nose for a few days.  She can only tell us that her tummy hurts and she hasn't had much of an appetite but I doubt it is her tummy.  The last time she had ear infections she never would say that her ears hurt.  We will see how the night/morning goes and may have to get her a doctors appointment.  
• Campbell was feeling a bit better to join Robby and Anderson outside for a bit.  Reagan had been inside and then tried to find the guys outside but couldn't.  So I walked to the end of our road with Campbell, Keaton and her lawnmower and Reagan in search of the guys.  We found them and joined the last part of of their walk. 
• Then we went back inside for crockpot enchiladas-a new recipe from the church cookbook.  It was pretty good but Anderson and Campbell were pretty sure that we were trying to feed them poison.  We did get Anderson to take a few bites and Campbell eventually decided that she didn't want to eat her food, drink coke or eat a dessert.  Poor thing, by then her fever had come back and as she took my phone she said "games make my tummy better."
• We watched a movie upstairs while the kids took baths.  Keaton was a fussy gussy this evening and she was sent to bed early and missed the two books that Robby read to the kids.  By the time the books were finished, Campbell was snoozing in the floor.  
• Graham had spend the afternoon and evening with Nonna, Pops, Uncle Jason and his Great Uncle Hank.  They had a trip to Larry's pizza and Pops spent my inheritance to win that boy some tickets.  Jason sent a video and Graham was so pleased with all of his prizes!

February 6, 2013

Visiting with Uncle Hank!

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• Again Robby was up before the rest of us and back briefly in bed to greet the kids as they joined us.  Then he was off to work and I was left with a house full of kids and a whole lot of laundry.  Seriously, this running he is doing is greatly increasing my laundry.  It has pushed me from 1 load a day to 1 and a half loads a day.  Can be a bit overwhelming-wish I was one of those people that could just leave clean laundry in the basket unfolded.  Maybe I will work on that.
• The day started off well-pancakes for breakfast.  Speaking of large family logistics such as laundry and breakfast-we ate a whole box of pancakes for breakfast and two cans of soup for spaghettios for lunch.  What are we going to do when they are teenagers?  I really will have to get some chickens and start my garden.  
• Anyway, after breakfast we headed to school.  Things were a bit crazy but manageable.  Reagan did have a melt down.  Yesterday, she dictated to me her oral report and today she was to copy it.  She handed her copy to me and said "I didn't do any good."  I told her to sit and wait for me and I would help her but before I could make it over, she was wadding her paper up.  Then as I tried to help her she just fell apart.  Seriously!  Makes me crazy sometimes.  I finally calmed her and just had her write 2 lines today.  Another thing that makes me crazy is how she holds her pencil-now taking suggestions!
• Anderson did fine today and finished in a timely manner.  Graham loves doing his reading book now except Campbell also thinks that she is in on his lessons.  She sits by him and repeats everything that he says.  And she even has a piece of paper that she frequently makes notes on (scribbles).  It is very interesting watching her do this.  She thinks she is so big.  
• Keaton does fine until about 11 and then she just falls apart.  I usually let someone get her some milk and then she will just sit in my lap or let me hold her.  That keeps her quiet for awhile especially while we are reading something like science.  The lesson day was about bivalves and Reagan has decided that she wants to eat mussels sometime.  
• Soon it was lunch time and we read a few library books while eating our soup.  Then it was time for Keaton's nap and the others got ready for church, picked up the toy room a tiny bit and then they watched a movie.  That left me exactly 42 minutes to scurry around picking up the house, folding a load of laundry, getting myself ready for church, loading the church bags and putting them into the car, briefly cleaning the toilets and writing out my to do list for tomorrow (yep, I'm a dork like that).
• We went to see Beebee today.  Hank was there and he started talking to the kids about his dogs and they were all spell bound by his stories about his dogs.  Of course maybe they were just being so still and quiet because there tummies were stuffed since Beebee had given them 2 pieces of  candy, 2 cookies and some popcorn.
• After we said goodbye, we headed to the library.  Where we park at the library, it is a gravel parking spot.  This is now the third week that I have explained to the kids that they are not to kick the gravel.  And this is the third week that they have in fact kicked the gravel.  Seriously, it is like that gravel is a magnet to little boys.  I think next week I will just try to park somewhere else-it would be much easier.
• We survived the library, then met Robby at Subway.  The lady fixing our two footlong sandwiches asked if that was going to feed everyone.  Ha!  Robby exclaimed that we had all been snacking all day.  The Subway lady must get paid by how many sandwiches she makes.  
• Church went well and Anderson's teacher said he was "very good" tonight.  So that made his evening much better.  Reagan has now completed her extra credit book and has said every single Awana verse that a first grader can say-now what is she going to do during the other 2 and a half months of Awana?  
• Back at home, it was snack time and then bedtime.  Before bed, Reagan did see her Valentine's shirt that Robby ordered for her-she was so excited! 

February 5, 2013

Girl loves her some stripes!

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• This morning started out the same as yesterday except that Graham and Robby were the only ones leaving bright and early.  But by the time that they left, everyone else was ready for breakfast.  
• Instead of eating at the bar, we opted for the school room.  We were planning on leaving the house at 10 so we had to get going.  I made it very clear to Anderson and Reagan that what was not finished was going to be finished when we came home-Anderson after dropping Reagan off and Reagan after the party.  Reagan got busy and didn't waste any time but Anderson was just sitting once he got stumped on something.  He only ended up with his reading book, math and math video along with watching a missionary video for Sparks.
• When it was time for Reagan to get dressed, she still had a few things left.  But after getting ready she had a few more minutes and knocked out everything else-well, there was one more thing but I just put it in her tomorrow's box.
• So then we loaded up and headed to Alyssa Kate's house.  I just pulled over in the street to let Reagan out and instead of her climbing out the other doors, I let her climb out my door.  As she was getting out, she put her hand on the horn and it just blared.  It was a pretty good honk before Reagan or I realized what the sound was.  She was so embarrassed-but she didn't have to ring the doorbell to get Alyssa Kate to open the door!
• I figured I better make good use of our West Little Rock trip with only 3 kids in tow and we stopped at the grocery store.  I only had 1/2 a loaf of bread and 1/2 a gallon of milk at home so we stocked up.  Campbell and Anderson took turns pushing a tiny shopping cart around and then I made the mistake of walking down the toy aisle.  Anderson looked at EVERY SINGLE toy on those aisles.  I eventually tried to explain that the milk was going to spoil if we didn't hurry up and leave.  
• Once we made it home, we finished Anderson's school work and watched his missionary video while eating lunch.  Then I had Anderson count out a bit of money for me.  I pulled out my little bucket filled with change and he exclaimed "is this Daddy and your money?"  I said that it was and he then asked "how did you have enough to buy the house?"  I tried to explain that Daddy had a bit more in the bank-not much more but a bit more.
• And another delightful thing I heard today from Anderson was "your belly is sure getting big.  What if it get's so big that it explodes and you die!"  I was speechless but Campbell added "if you die, we will cry."  Those were comforting words to hear.
• Anderson begged me to play outside with him but I told him no but after looking at the clock, it wasn't yet time for Keaton's nap so we did go outside for a bit.  Anderson loves playing basketball now and is so surprised when he beats his 31 week pregnant mom who is usually holding an 18 month old and her teammate is a 3 year old during the basketball games.  Though Campbell did score a point today during the game-she was thrilled that she made a goal!  
• Next up was a nap for Keaton while I tried to get Campbell interested in watching a movie with Anderson.  I passed out snacks and drinks but she just hung by my side.  I did let her help me with a few chores including some work in the attic (don't worry, it is floored) but to her it was magical going in the scary dark attic with me.  
• After Keaton's nap, we headed back outside for more b-ball (that is what kids call it these days says Anderson).  We walked along our little trail, looked for flowers and had a good afternoon.  Keaton found the picnic table and just sat at it holding her little phone practically the whole time we were outside.   
• Graham had spent the afternoon at Grannymom's house.  This morning as he was leaving, he asked if he could take his pencil box to work on with Grandpa.  So he did that and was even able to earn 2 dollars by working outside and found a few feathers.  What could be better?
• Soon Graham and Robby came home and we had hamburgers for supper.  Then we went upstairs to the bonus room for baths and to watch Anderson's missionary video again-it was a big hit.  As we were starting the movie, Robby got a text and said "the front door is open?"  That was a bit eerie so I headed downstairs (hmm, come to think of it why didn't Robby go?)  But it was Reagan-Ms. Candace had brought her home after the party.  She said that Reagan didn't even ring the doorbell, she just started punching in the code to open the door.  
• Reagan had a wonderful time at the party-nail painting, pancakes at IHOP, playing outside, necklace making, skating and pizza eating.  She was pretty exhausted from her day on the town.  And everyone else was pretty exhausted too!  Love nights like that.  

February 4, 2013

Celebrating Emory's Birthday!

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• Robby was the first one up this morning and even ran on the treadmill.  And even though he was up early and woke me up early, we were still scurrying around the house at 7:50.  Some how I lost track of time-probably because I was sitting in the floor getting the kids ready while listening to them talk.  They were all discussing Emory's party tonight-the excitement was that Emory had a swing IN her house and even her daddy could swing in it.  Seriously, this was crazy big news for my crew.
• We dropped off Keaton and Campbell at Nonna's house.  Then dropped off Graham who was so excited that this was birthday bash at school.  And since we had a few minutes, we started on a book recommended by Noah.  Then I dropped Reagan and Anderson off at school and headed home to scurry around for less than 2 hours before picking up Graham again.
• At Nonna's house, my uncle Hank was in town.  Graham grinned from ear to ear when he saw him.  Graham remembered going out to eat with him last time he was in town.  Campbell on the other hand told Nonna that she did not like Hank.  I think he interrupted her quality time with Nonna and Pops.  
• We had lunch over there and when I said that it was time to go, my Graham said "yes ma'am" and then started to help pick up.  That has never happened before!  He was actually in the best mood ever and at one point this afternoon, he played upstairs by himself longer than usual.  It was a very eerie time here at the house-Keaton was sleeping, Graham was quietly playing and Campbell was looking at my kindle.  It was incredibly quiet-I liked it for a few minutes and then not so much.
• When we came home from Nonna's house, the kids played outside while I unloaded the car and put up a few things.  Then I brought everyone in-after all it was raining.  Our next project was doing Graham's homework for Ms. Stacy (bringing in his favorite candy wrappers).  Then we tried on a pair of his bigger shoes.  And finally we worked on his reading book and sight words.  He loves doing his reading book but I don't know how far we can get before it gets too tough for my little guy.
• Soon I put Keaton in bed and then Graham and Campbell had a snack and watched a movie.  That lasted about 20 minutes so we all read a few books on the kindle.  It must have been sitting on the couch in a dark room but I was getting sleepy.  So I did what any good mother does-turn on the tv and cuddle up with the kids.  Campbell was out in a flash and so was I.  We dozed until Graham said that he saw Robby's van and I jumped up like I hadn't been asleep.
• Anderson earned a prize from the treasure chest.  But also told Robby that he had lost a star a few Mondays ago.  I guess that is fine to lose one of 5 stars-right?  Now Reagan would never have lost a star but he is a boy so we will give him losing one star-occasionally.
• The kids had a good day at school and as soon as they walked in the door, they headed to my room to watch tv.  The tv was on in the living room but they opted to start a new movie in my room.  I guess they just like their own spots-hmm, I write that as I am sitting on my spot on the couch across from Robby who is also perched on his spot.  
• Before too long, it was time for Emory's party.  The kids had a blast and enjoyed swinging on the swing in their basement.  There was chili, cheese dip, ice cream sundaes and cake pops.  When Emory was opening her presents, my kids became so excited when they saw her open the Elefun game.  When it was time to leave, Campbell was so upset.  She kept telling me that she didn't have fun.  That was her way of saying that she wasn't yet ready to leave.  The party favors did help get her out the door.  
• Once we made it home, it was bed time for the crew.  Reagan has a birthday party tomorrow so she is ready for the morning to start.  But first she has to squeeze in school!

February 3, 2013

Super Bowl Snacks!

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• Sunday morning and things went as usual around here-I dressed the kids while Robby got ready and then he fed the kids while I showered.  We were in the car on time with little drama.  
• At church we were told that Keaton was going to move up to the next pod on Sunday and Wednesday nights.  That makes me incredibly sad but she will survive as the others did.  She adores her current teachers and so do I.
• Church was good this morning.  We had a pretty loud "amen-er" in our service (which I loved) and Anderson really wanted to get in on the "amen-ing" action.  Through out the service he would say "amen" after the prayers but I was slightly worried that "preach it" was going to come out of his mouth at some point during the sermon as the other man said several times.  And that would have been fine as long as he was listening. 
• My Anderson has also started really belting out the songs during church which I absolutely adore.  Now, he will really only sing the song though if it has a catchy chorus or is something that he can easily read.  Reagan will occasionally sing but her singing is probably drowned out by Anderson.  Though all afternoon long, I have heard her singing songs from big church this morning.
• We had lunch at Nonna and Pops house-super bowl food: hoagies, wienies, chips and dip.  The kids had time to play afterwards and even came home with party favors (from the neighbors birthday party).  Reagan said "this really was like a birthday party."
• At home, everyone did our standard Sunday afternoon activities.  Then we decided to go on a walk to the end of the road again.  This time Reagan opted not to ride her bike which was fine (this time).  Graham's pedal came off at the end of the road so we had to roll his bike back.  Reagan, Graham and Robby later took another walk the other way with her scooter.  I stayed back and played baseball and basketball with the others.  Then we did that walk again with all of the scooters.  One neighbor has two dogs that rarely leave their yard but they scared her to death each time she walked by their house.  
• Back in the house, we all headed upstairs to the bonus room.  It is pretty easy to give baths up there-plenty of hot water and the rest of us can watch tv or play while being right near the bather.  After most of the kids had taken their baths, I fixed supper for them and brought it upstairs.  The plan was sandwiches but since I only had one loaf of frozen bread that wasn't an option.  Cheese and crackers and peanut butter and crackers were put on the menu-Graham was so excited that we were having a "snacky supper."  
• We watched the halftime show with the kids and Reagan said "her clothes are weird" and then she added "I won't ever wear anything like that."  Those were wonderful words to hear.  But the true entertainment during that halftime show was Campbell doing her best rendition of Beyonce.  Campbell was giving it her all-just dancing her little heart out.  
• Reagan and I played a bit of ping pong during the Super Bowl blackout and she did pretty well.  Then I played with all of the others-and I can't say the same!  They enjoyed it though and that was all that mattered.  Keaton was put to bed first and then I did some laundry and then it was bedtime for the rest of the crew.
• Robby and I then started out Super Bowl party with cookies and some coke.  Oh, maybe that isn't a Super Bowl party since we do that every night!

February 2, 2013

This smile never gets old :)

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• Yesterday, I started the blog with "You know it is going to be a good day when you are still laying in bed at 8:30."  I need to amend that statement-9:30 would be a more accurate time.  Everyone was still asleep at 8:30 and they were just barely stirring at 9:30 when Robby finally caved and fixed breakfast.  It was a pretty nice morning laying in bed-just what Saturdays should be about.
• The boys used to race down the stairs and grab their milk first thing in the morning.  Robby said tonight it was almost like they dreamed of it but now all they want is breakfast.  And lay in bed with us asking when we are going to get breakfast for them and when I am going to get my shower (they know this happens always before breakfast-or it just won't happen).  But now, Campbell is the one who grabs her milk the very first thing in the morning.  What is it about Dennie kids and their milk-no wonder we go through nearly a gallon a day!
• Robby served up breakfast while I got Keaton up.  That child is soaking wet-pajamas and all-every single morning.  So of course while the others were eating, Robby and I needed to lay down with her under the covers so she could warm up.  Kind of sounds like we were pretty lazy today, actually we weren't-we just had our day of rest a day early.
• Before too long, Reagan was sitting at the table making her sticker dolls, Graham was coloring on his pirate ship, Campbell was supervising all of these happenings and Anderson was working on his new legos.  I started helping the boy and we worked and worked and worked.  Robby eventually came to relieve me.  There were over 2 zillion pieces and 3 thousands steps.  This was his same set that he earned from Sparks.  So I have made an executive decision that we are now going to stop learning his Sparks Bible verses (only kidding-maybe we just need to slow down where he only has enough bucks to earn a bouncy ball or match box car).
• It was then around 11:30 and I asked Robby if I should make lunch and he laughed saying that we had just eaten breakfast.  So we headed outside and walked and the kids biked down our road (love saying that) and then to the end of the street to see the horses.  The horses weren't there but it was still good riding practice for Reagan who must have the weakest legs in the world because she just struggles pedaling.  She did get better by the time we made it home though-probably should try to do that a few times a week.
• While outside, Robby and I debated working in the mounds of leaves.  We had worked all day last Saturday and that part of the yard really looks good.  We figured we could get a bit more accomplished today since it was so pretty.  But by the time our walk was over and we had lunch it was 1:30 so we decided to continue our lazy day.  
• Oh yes, while the kids were eating Robby and I hugged.  This caused a chorus of moans and gags.  So we continued carrying on.  Then we heard sputtering and turned to look to see Graham who was projectile spitting his milk out across the bar.  We had made him physically sick.  
• The kids went back out to play while I finished cleaning the kitchen and unloading the dishwasher (like the 4th load in less than 24 hours).  I also made cookies and we hated to call the kids in to eat them while they were hot.  They were taking their turns pushing Campbell on the swing (have to teach her how to pump on the swings soon).  
• Eventually the kids came in and migrated to the toy room.  Robby and I tried to be productive and even moved some things from our hall closet up to the Christmas attic (yep, with 5 attics I have to have them named).  This did involve a bit more work than we had intended since Robby had to move a board to put the boxes in a part of the attic that wasn't floored.  
• Keaton adores playing in the toy room.  A huge room filled with toys that she has hardly ever seen and they are all laying spread out all over the floor.  She could stay up there for hours on end-if I didn't have to worry about her eating a lego man or tumbling down the stairs.  Though she has gotten good at saying "mama" at the top of the steps when she wants me to come home.  But by the time we finished our attic project it was her nap time.  
• While she slept, the others watched a few movies and Robby and I might have had a nap.  Graham did catch Robby at a good time and was able to snag his ipad to play on and ended up doing so during his entire nap.  Soon after nap I was back at the table helping with those blasted legos.
• We decided to leave the house tonight for supper at Mooyahs.  The kids all sat at their own table and ate peacefully-helps when they have shakes in their hands.  Once we made it home, everyone had their showers and then we put them in bed. 
• Not to long afterwards, I was in our bedroom and heard some goings on upstairs over the monitor but didn't sound like much so I ignored it.  Robby was in our bathroom getting into the shower when I heard him say "whoa."  It was like a "whoa" when the water is too cold.  But it wasn' that-Graham had walked through our laundry room and closet and startled Robby.  Poor guy was saying that his eyes hurt.  He can think of any thing to stay up or even just to say something.  At supper tonight he walked to me.  Thought for awhile and then finally said "our fries are all gone."  Robby turned around to give them some more to see their fry cup full.
• Anyway, I walked him back to bed, giving him a drink of water and checking his eyes.  I made sure to tuck him in well and hopefully he doesn't return down the steps until the morning.  Or if he does, hopefully he will just come through our bedroom door so he doesn't scare the mess out of us.