March 15, 2013

Spring trip to the Zoo...

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• This morning the kids knew that it was zoo day and they were up and moving early.  Well, kind of early-it was close to 8.  The boys did build a "lego store" upstairs before they even came downstairs.  Before Robby was able to finish his shower, we were upstairs putting on clothes for the big day.
• The kids had breakfast while I had my shower and then we started on school.  I worked with Anderson and sent Reagan to hide somewhere to work on all of her work.  And then I had the wonderful idea to turn on a leap frog movie (somewhat educational cartoon) for Graham and Campbell-worked wonderfully except that Campbell didn't watch it at all.  
• We were in the car at 10:20 and were about to pull out when Grannymom text to ask if Reagan would want to spend the night.  So I made sure the movie was on and Reagan and I ran inside to pack her stuff for the night.  
• Then we were off-we picked up Grannymom, Lilly and Cash.  The kids were so excited but we figured that it had been since October that anyone had been to the zoo.  By almost 11, the parking lot was full but we lucked into a good spot.  And after a short wait in the line, we were in the gates and on our way.  
• While we were waiting in line, Graham remembered my conversation from last night about my having this big ole baby in my tummy, me being tired and when I said it was time to go there would be no complaining.  So while we were in line, Graham looked at me, looked at the stroller filled with bags and Keaton and then that sweet child asked "are you going to need us to help you push the stroller?"  Grannymom and I did work together to push the stroller.  
• Our first stop was the snake and then the monkeys and fish.  We had brought money for fish food but my little scavengers found more fish food on the ground than we actually bought.  We were only in that spot for an hour or two-not that long.  But the kids could have stayed there even longer.  
• Next up was the penguins, elephants, giraffes and lots of other animals.  By this time, the kids were begging for lunch.  The zoo makes these kids hungry!  My lunch packing was pretty easy-paper plates, sandwiches from the freezer, a bag of chips, a bag of cookies, 3 clemintines, 2 bottles of water and 5 juice boxes.  That is my kind of lunch packing-easy peasy.
• At the giraffes, Anderson was asking about why a gate was there and I told him that maybe the zookeeper takes them on a walk.  Anderson looked at me and then said "man, that must be a big leash."
• After lunch, the kids played on the new playground and then we walked over to the old playground for more playing.  Keaton had a blast being let out of the stroller to play-her favorite was crawling through the tunnel.  Eventually, we made it to the carousel and Grannymom let everyone have a ride before we headed out of the gates.
• We further enticed the kids to leave with a promise to a trip to Sonic.  I had to write down everyone's order-8 drinks-to make sure that we had everything correct.  And we still missed one but Lilly didn't mind waiting for them to bring hers out.
• We dropped off Grannymom, Reagan, Lilly and Cash and then the rest of us headed home.  Keaton had been asleep but as soon as they climbed out, she was wide awake and noticing their drinks.  So I poured her some and then we headed home.  
• At home, everyone played outside until I spent too long inside helping Campbell change her clothes-she had gotten them wet.  I heard the garage going down and went quickly to find Keaton-Anderson had brought her in the front door, while Graham cleaned up the toys and closed the garage.  Sometimes they are surprisingly responsible.
• After making a fort, playing upstairs and watching a movie, Robby was home and we were headed out for supper.  We ate at Brownings and the kids were perfect-absolutely perfect.  Then we walked over to Hagaan Daaz for some ice cream and sprinkles.  There were more sprinkles on the kids bowls than ice cream and they loved, loved it!  
• By the time we made it home, it was pretty late and the kids crashed.  Hopefully, they are so tired that this will result in them sleeping in really late in the morning.  

March 14, 2013

Found something!

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• Another day morning around here-scurrying around trying to make it to school on time.  We woke up at 7:40 and I had to wake the rest of the crew up.  This time change is really messing with their sleeping habits-and I love it!
• Robby took Graham to school and Campbell rode along with them as is their Thursday routine.  Robby said that after dropping Graham off, Campbell suggested going to the store-anything but go home.  She had to settle for getting gas and then picking up sonic drinks.
• Campbell was very pleased to show off her drink when she made it home.  Usually, Robby takes it from her when they arrive home but today he was on a work call when they pulled in and she was able to get out of the car with her drink.  Anderson wasn't too pleased that he didn't have one but he had already started eating some candy that he had earned from Sparks so he really couldn't complain. Since Campbell was climbed out of the car while Robby was still in it talking on the phone, she was convinced that he was in the car all morning long-even when we left the house at 10:30, she was surprised to see him not still in the van.  Worked well for him because he was able to hide out without being found.
• Anderson and Reagan finished most of school-each only having one page of math and one other little thing to do this afternoon.  Nonna and Pops were picking up Graham and I was dropping everyone else at Grannymom and Grandpa's house.  And Anderson was thrilled to find out that Josh and Zach would be stopping by for a few minutes.  
• I went to my doctor's appointment-this was the second time that Robby had accompanied me to a visit.  Phillips even joked that he was concerned that Robby wasn't around anymore.  Nothing was much different than last week-blood pressure good, baby's heartbeat around 135, now I am a "good 1" instead of "just a 1" from last week.  Phillips invited us to come and visit him this weekend since he is on call but we declined and just made a regular appointment for the Monday after next.  
• Then I had a few more errands before picking up the kids.  Grannymom said that Keaton was not 100% today-don't know what is wrong with that girl-messy diapers, not eating, fussier than her normal happy self but still happy, no fever, still drinking and sleeping well.  
• After picking up the crew at Grannymom's house, we then headed to Nonna's house to pick up Graham.  He had a big afternoon and always enjoys being the center of attention.  Oh and I almost forgot, on our way to Grannnymom's house this morning, Campbell told everyone "enough talking, let's watch the movie."  Ha!  That child said enough talking-I never thought I would hear her say that.  Sometimes I just wish that she would take her own advice.
• Anyway, back at home this afternoon, Robby helped unload the car while Reagan and Anderson finished their school work.  Then the kids and I made a fort upstairs then they played while Campbell and I worked on the laundry.  
• Soon it was supper time and Robby had to leave for a soccer meeting.  We finished supper, cleaned the toy room, put on pajamas, read a book and then ate some warm cookies.  I then put Keaton to bed and we read another book before bed time.  They were not tired but were very quiet this evening because they sure want to go to the zoo tomorrow with Lilly and Cash!

March 13, 2013

Ready for battle!

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• As we were tucking the kids in last night, Anderson had one random question to Robby.  He asked Robby if he had ever smoked.  Robby replied no and thought that would be the end of the conversation.  Anderson said "but what if you just smoked one time, one time?"  I am not really sure if he was asking if it was okay to light up or what. Robby did give him a quick lesson about smoking before he tucked him in.
• After staying out so late last night, Campbell was the only one awake when Robby left.  And everyone else didn't really stir until after 8 so it was a pretty lazy morning.  We had breakfast and then started school.  
• School went well-Graham still struggles with needing me to hold his hand during every single thing I ask him to do.  But he isn't around during school enough to get the hang of things but overall, it was manageable and we were still finished by noon even after our late start and emptying all of the trash cans.
• We had lunch and then everyone played for a bit before I put Keaton down for an early nap. The plan was to go and see Beebee and Papaw but she called and said that Papaw wasn't feeling good, so we scratched those plans and I let the kids watch another movie and have a snack.  
• As I was getting Keaton's snack, I heard her waking up.  I continued doing a few things in the kitchen and then I eventually went to get her.  Poor thing was sitting in a pile of poo.  The first thing I did was grab her 4 baby dolls and rush them to the washing machine and turned on the shower.  Then I picked Keaton up, who was sitting pointing at the mess in her bed, and stripped her down and put her in the shower.  Then I hosed her off and let her continue in the shower for a bit-she was not happy at all about being in the shower all alone.  But I had to wash out her bed and put it out to dry, grab new clothes, clean up her old diaper and start the washer.  When the poor thing was all clean, she was just as happy as she could be.  
• Then we went upstairs and the kids played while I snapped a few pictures and did the girls hair.  I did practice french braiding Campbell's hair and did decent enough for her to wear it that way to church.  Reagan wanted me to put her hair up in a bun but I tried my hand at that and it didn't go so well.  
• Soon we met Robby at McDonalds for supper.  It is always funny to me because whenever I think the kids act awful someone will give us a compliment on their behavior.  And as we left, a homeless man asked Robby for something to eat-and Robby just reached around and handed the man a bag that I had made up a few weeks ago with some change, food, soap and a track in it.  So glad we used one and glad the kids saw that happen.  I think our little homeschool group is going to make some next year as one of our projects.  
• Everyone was good at church-Reagan's class went shopping and she bought a bunch of stuff, Anderson said 2 more verses and is about finished with his extra credit book and I saw Graham and Campbell as I took Ms. Jennifer's place and talked to their daddy-I mean the Cubbie bear puppet.  

March 12, 2013

Today's Writing Lesson!

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• So last night about eleven Robby and I headed to bed.  We had been watching a few shows every night but have now finished both series so we are without too much tv to watch.  So that left us going to bed a bit earlier than usual but alas before I knew it, Robby was working on getting every last drop of lint out of the dryer.  Actually, we did have quite a bit of lint in the dryer-way down deep past the lint catcher.  It took a step stool, a screwdriver, vacuum cleaner, 2 vacuum cleaner attachments and quite a bit of work but we now have the cleanest dryer around.  We probably should work on the other dryer tonight but that isn't going to happen!
• I had to wake Graham up to get ready for school.  He was pretty excited since today was class picture day.  Unfortunately, they had many absent so maybe they will do it another day.  He sure did look cute today.  He is down to about 3 pairs of pants that do not have holes in them this winter.  And all 3 of those are a bit short.  So I pulled out a size 5 for him-I was just grabbing the first pair of jeans that I could find out of the size 4-5 box in the attic.  But this silly pants are a bit too snug on him but he managed.  I hate that because they look brand new-if they are snug on Graham then we all know that Anderson was never able to wear them.
• Robby took Graham to school and the rest of us started our day with breakfast.  When we did wake Keaton up, her pajamas were wet but not crazy wet like usual.  Robby took a great risk last night and changed her before we went to bed.  I guess it paid off since she wasn't soaking wet this morning.
• School went really well today-Anderson was even finished before Reagan.  He said  "this is the 3rd time that I have finished before her."  I don't know if that is accurate but he sure was proud of himself. But then I couldn't get him to leave the school room and go play.  I finally told him to go upstairs or I would get him started on tomorrow's work.  That did the trick!
• Reagan didn't mind being the last one though.  I should have taken a picture of her phonics page today-the words seemed to be huge to me.  Huge at least for a first grader-I can't think of any examples though.  Her math was finding the perimeter of shapes-I had to look that one up!  After she finished, we read some history, science and geography.
• Soon it was lunch time and then I had everyone help me clean the baseboards.  I think I am almost finished with all of this cleaning going on.  Though I do have to change over the kids clothes from winter to summer before the baby and then I am going to take some time off-put my feet up and eat some bon bons!  Ha!  
• Before I knew it, we had to jump in the car to go and pick Graham up from Grannymom's house.  The weather was so nice that I decided at the last minute to take everyone to the park on the way home.  I told Robby I was trying to even the score since he has become the good guy by bringing home slushies most Monday afternoons.  We didn't stay too long but long enough for Keaton to fall sound asleep on the way home.  
• While Keaton was asleep, the rest of us watched a Lewis and Clark movie and then I let them watch their own movies.  Everyone did pay amazing attention to the Lewis and Clark movie and pretty much after that Graham and Campbell were finished watching their movies and were happy following me around the house until Robby came home.
• Graham did come up with cleaning the toy room all by himself to surprise Robby so I went up to help him.  Then it was supper time for the kids before heading to Grannymom's house.  I told the kids to gather their pajamas to change over there and the boys came down with their bags.  I again reminded everyone that we were not spending the night and didn't really need a bag but that didn't stop them.  
• We dropped them off and Robby and I ran out to eat at NYPD pizza.  It took a bit but it was kind of nice to eat without too much distraction by the kids.  They are good eaters out but it is still hectic eating with 5 kiddos-eating out or eating in-always hectic!  The other night we noticed at a restaurant that an entire family-kids, parents and grandparents-took up 8 chairs.  Just our little family will soon fill up 8 chairs.  Seriously, when we have grandkids we will just have to rent out a back room of a restaurant.  
• By the time we made it home, the kids were pretty tired and off to bed they went!   

March 11, 2013

Mailbag:  A Picture from Hank of all his dogs!

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• My dad joked with me last night that we wouldn't be awake at 7:30 this morning.  And he was almost right because I was the first one up at 7:15.  We moved pretty quickly and Robby and the kids were off in time for school.  His first stop was dropping of Campbell and Keaton, then taking Graham to school, then a quick run to the store before dropping off Anderson and Reagan to their class.
• Since Robby took everyone to school, I had a whole extra hour to work here at home: straightening, laundry, sweeping and some work in our closet.  Not too bad for 3 hours worth of work.  Then it was off to pick up Graham from school.  About 5 kids were out from his class today so I am sure he enjoyed lots of individual attention.  
• Then we went to lunch at Nonna's house and the little girls had a very good day.  Campbell helped make trail mix with Nonna and Keaton snuggled up with Pops to take a nap.  Keaton had a bit of fever this afternoon and possibly some tonight.  After a long nap this afternoon, she perked up some.  She might be teething since Reagan said that she was putting her hands in her mouth during bath time or maybe Campbell had just put soap in her mouth.
• After Graham played for awhile at Nonna's house, then we headed home.  Our first activity was chasing Keaton around to give her some medicine.  Then she was put to bed and Campbell, Graham and I played an exciting round of Minnie Mouse bow bingo.  They both did really well and played until the game was over.  (This made me add to our summer list of playing each and every one of our games this summer.)
• We then watched a movie while Keaton finished her nap.  During the movie Campbell quickly fell asleep-possibly because she was cuddled up with me who was also snoozing.  Before too long though, Robby was on his way home with the other crew.
• Reagan said that her favorite thing that happened today at school was playing "cops and robbers" during recess.  Should I be worried about that?  I guess before I become too concerned I should find out if she was a cop or a robber.  And Anderson received a pretty big compliment today from his teacher.  She said that he had the best manners of anyone else in his class today.  And that compliment earned sonic drinks for everyone.
• The kids played upstairs and then watched a quick show while Robby finished work and I finished supper-quite a smorgasbord tonight-leftover bbq for Robby, leftover soup for me, nuggets, green beans, mac and cheese and peaches for the kids.  
• Then we all headed upstairs for baths and to watch a missionary movie from the church library (pretty good series and this one was much less intense than the poor lady that was eaten by lions).  After that it was bedtime for all the kids-good thing they don't really have a real bedroom window or they would have noticed that it was still light outside!

March 10, 2013

Yummy Push up!

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• Well, last night we thought we had been so sneaky putting the kids to bed early but as we were still watching tv in our bedroom, we heard the pitter patter of feet, the slide of a bottom down the steps and then the opening and slamming of the fridge.  Graham was pretty convinced that it was morning time and time to have his morning milk.  We sent him back to bed and within an hour he was back down opening the fridge again.  And about 30 minutes later, we heard him and I went upstairs to check.  Well, he wasn't in his bed and I was about to panic a tiny bit but then he came uptairs.  He said that he was going to our bedroom the other way.  Seriously, that child was going to surprise us by coming in our room through the bathroom-that probably wouldn't fly to well with Robby and I who had been watching scary crime shows before bed.  
• After we finally got him to sleep, we all slept pretty well.  And all too soon it was time to wake up.  The kids didn't bat an eye at waking up and getting ready for church.  Soon breakfast was finished and we were loading up the car headed to church.
• Robby accompanied the big 3 as they went to the coffee shop to eat a cookie.  Anderson looked at Robby and said "your teeth are yellow."  And he continued with "all adults teeth that I see are yellow."    Kids are true self esteem builders.  
• We again set in the balcony-though we may not next week since I am under the impression that the air in the balcony is thinner and it was harder to breathe up there.  Of course, that could be because of this baby!
• Reagan stayed after church for choir.  They had an all day choir practice.  It sounded like she had a great time-had pizza, cookies, chex mix, animal crackers, more pizza and more cookies.  She also said that she sat by Hope.  
• After church was over, we had lunch at Grannymom's house.  While there my third grade neice said that I and her sister were the same size-me, her 35 year old 36 week pregnant aunt, and her 19 year old tiny sister.  Ha!  I took that as a compliment but quickly understood that she wasn't talking about our size but our height.  See kids really are self esteem builders. 
• After a bit of time at home, it was time to turn around and head back to church.  The boys were excellent during choir and Keaton and Campbell enjoyed having cookies with us.  Actually those girls scarfed down their cookies in a flash.  Then it was church time and the kids did really well-even though it was a bit longer service than usual.  
• I passed out sandwiches on the way home and once home, the kids had popsicles and then went to bed.  As they were changing out of their Sunday clothes, I could NOT get Graham's shirt back over his head.  It was a bit challenging to get it on this morning but this evening it was nearly impossible.  Of course he came to me while we were both on the stairs so after yanking for awhile, I decided that we should go up so we both didn't come crashing down.  It took us about 5 minutes and I had already thought about getting the scissors out but we finally pulled that stinking shirt off.  

March 9, 2013

Celebrating Caleb's birthday!

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• Pretty run of the mill morning-everyone piled into our bed and we tried to be really still and quiet so they would go away.  It didn't work!  Robby eventually snuck out to run and I passed out breakfast.  Soon everyone was playing upstairs and that lasted about 10 minutes and then they disappeared.
• Reagan, Anderson and Graham ended up upstairs in the bonus room with Robby who was running.  They all sat quietly watching Shark Tank until Robby finished.  Meanwhile I took my shower while Keaton and Campbell talked to me.  As I was getting ready, I explained that Reagan and I were going to a wedding shower.  Campbell looked at me and shouted "you just got out of there"
• It wasn't long before Reagan and I headed out to Maradee's wedding shower.  Reagan was so cute in her dress sitting at the table with all of the old ladies.  When we made it back at home, it was almost lunch time.
• Campbell and I made lunch for everyone and then they went back upstairs to play some more.  And soon it was nap time for Keaton.  That little smiley girl is the happiest thing ever.  She grins and smiles if I ask her if she wants some milk, if I ask her if she wants to take a nap or even if I ask her if she needs a spanking.  She is always just smiling away-wonder if she will still be smiling when I am holding  a tiny baby and not her?
• After her nap, it was time to put on bathing suits and gather towels.  We had Caleb's birthday party at the pool in Bryant.  Poor Reagan did not want to put on her floatees but she had to since the pool was crazy deep.  She quickly forgot about it and was having a good time and even spent most of her time playing with Campbell.
• We ran back by Nonna's house to pick up Keaton.  We didn't let her go with us to the pool or she would have demanded to go swimming and since Robby and I didn't plan on swimming, she didn't get to go.  But she loved the undivided attention from Pops and Nonna.
• And then at home, we pulled a fast one on the kiddos.  Robby ran upstairs to move the kids clocks back while they had a drink before bed and then they put on their pajamas and brushed teeth.  Such good kiddos since they all obediently went to bed without even a clue it was way before bedtime!