May 18, 2013

(click here for today's pictures)

Soccer Party at the house!

• Whitman ate around 3 this morning and then we all slept until 7ish.  Keaton was the first one up and her and Robby laid in her room for a bit before getting up.  Then all the kids and Robby and I were all in our bed.  It didn't last for too long because before I knew it, Robby was outside weed eating.
• And before too much longer, I was outside setting up tables while still in my pajamas.  Though in my defense, the house was straight and the kids were dressed so I had been busy.  I pulled out my secret weapon when I went inside.  I wanted the kids to stay in while I went out so I turned on Wipeout (the secret weapon).  They were in awe of that show-though they then attempted to play it in the living room.  
• Before too long, it was time for the soccer party to start.  We had invited the girls team and the boys team and ended up having a crowd.  We didn't have a ton of folks show up but it was all people that we knew so it was nice.  I think everyone had a relaxing time-the food was good.  Pops was our hired chef and the rest of the grandparents were there as Dennie kid crowd control.  
• The kids enjoyed playing with their friends-on the swings and in the dirt.  But the highlights were the games Robby invented on the fly.  Walking with a cup on your head and even pulling out the standby of an egg toss.  The kids all love an egg toss-they always get so excited.  
• After our guests left and we cleaned up, it was time to clean up the kids-6 showers (Cash was our number 6 since Whitman was eating with Grannymom)  The kids then played for a few minutes until it was time to go again. 
• Our next stop was Raymar Fields for the End of School Bash.  We could have stayed there all evening-inflatables, tug of war, sack races, cake walk, hamburgers, hot dogs, snow cones, hula hoops, face painting.  The kids had an awesome time.  They started on the inflatables, hit up the snow cones and then went to the cake walk.  6 Dennies walking around the cake walk-we were bound to win.  And win we did-we came home with practically a whole box of little debbie treats.  
• There was also tug of war where all of my crew were drug across the grass by two bigger boys and they loved it.  Then a sack race and hula hooping before loading up for our next stop.  I had brought shirts for the kids to change into if they were too nasty sweaty-Anderson was the only one who was dripping sweat.  I even had my fabreeze ready to go if I needed to use it.  
• We had supper at the McGuires and all of the kids spent most of their time playing outside.  They all must have been starving because they all ate a good supper and then couldn't get enough supper.  And after all of that playing, they were nasty again so we had to give another round of showers once we came home.  
• Even with one extra tonight, showers were quickly and everyone was tucked into bed in no time at all.  Tomorrow is going to be a very busy day-our bags for the day are all packed and sitting by the door-hope I haven't forgotten anything. 

May 17, 2013

(click here for today's pictures)

A hat kind of day!

• Whitman ate around 6 and then snuggled with us in bed until we heard the others upstairs.  I jumped out of bed and laid Whitman on a blanket in the floor-that way the kids would lay by him and not by us in our bed.  Sneaky, aren't I?
• After breakfast, it was time for school-the last day!  Really, we have finished up everything so they just had a few things to do.  The most fun thing was cleaning their desks with shaving cream.  Only one child didn't want to do this-silly Reagan.  She has never liked anything like shaving cream, any lotions or creams.  I am now putting neosporin on her ears as well and it gives her the heeby jeebys. 
• It didn't take long to finish school and clean up a bit.  So we loaded up and headed to Grannymom's house.  My Graham wanted to read his reading book to Grannymom today.  I had gone on and on about how good he was doing (and he really is) so he wanted to show off a bit.  
• When I left there, I ran to Target to pick up a few things-including a bathing suit (gag!)  Then to my weekly grocery shopping trip.  While there, I bought a clearanced loaf of cinnamon bread.  I had a piece (or two) after loading up the car and the kids devoured the rest of the loaf during their snack time.  
• They were watching a movie and when I delivered their bread, Campbell was already asleep.  So I just laid her piece of bread beside her.  Graham came and asked for more bread and then Anderson came and asked for more.  After they had all gone out to play, I went in to wake up Campbell and there she lay still sound asleep.  But she only had 1/4th of her slice of bread left-those silly boys ate their sleeping sister's snack.  
• Let's jump back in the day a bit though.  After Grannymoms we came home.  The big kids had a brawl while getting out of the van and it made me furious.  I sat them all in time out while I emptied the car and put up my groceries (a good 30 minutes).  And then they practiced getting in and out of the van the proper way.  They had to do it 5 times but Graham tried to crawl over Reagan so they had to do it another time.  The kids were tired and hot when they finished-don't worry they weren't too hot.  Whitman and I were sitting in the back of the van observing.  
• We then picked up the house while Graham had his daily fit.  I finally had enough and told him to sit in Robby's office and wait on his daddy to get home.  Graham lucked out because Robby was home in about 30 minutes.  His bottom didn't luck out though!  But afterwards, he was his happy self again.  
• The kids played outside this evening while Robby struggled with all of his lawnmowers.  I was inside working in the kitchen.  The kids even gave up on Robby and came in for their showers, supper and were even in bed before Robby made it in-after all it does take a while to push mower a 2 acre yard! 

May 16, 2013

(click here for today's pictures)

Hat Day at School!

• Today was hat day at Graham's school.  He had originally chosen to wear a Stetson cowboy hat (nothing but the best for my Graham-a 200+ dollar hat!)  But this morning he changed his mind and asked for his plan B.  So the first thing I did this morning was to take the cowboy hat which was sitting by the door back to the attic and replace it for a huge sombrero.  Graham had become concerned that someone else would have a cowboy hat and he was sure no one else would have a sombrero-and indeed they didn't.  
• Robby took Graham to school with Keaton and Campbell.  We had to wake both of those girls up this morning after staying out late.  After dropping him off, they went to Sams to pick up a few things.  They shopped and even had a bit of breakfast at Sams.  All went well until it was time to leave and the bottom fell out.  Robby said that he just pressed on and ran quickly to the car.
• Back at home, we worked on our next to last school day.  One of Reagan's drawers today just had a note that said organize the crayon and pencil buckets.  And would you believe that this caused a meltdown?  I thought she would enjoy this task-kids really just keep you guessing.  
• Soon Robby and the girls were home and we quickly worked to finish school and then start our little outing.  We picked up Graham and then stopped by McDonalds to grab lunch.  Then we had lunch with Nonna and Pops at their house.  Robby was pretty glad that we left since he had a pretty big conference call...and as much as he likes working from the closet or hiding out in the car while trying to work, he is able to accomplish a bit more when we are gone.
• After leaving Nonna and Pops house, we went to see Beebee and Papaw for Papaw's birthday.  The kids had worked very hard on birthday cards for him and were so proud to give them to Beebee.  Papaw was sleeping-his sister was there along with us and some others and I said that he was sleeping through his party.  Anderson replied with "we will have to tell him all about it."  
• As we left today, my dad said that there was no way to tell how much longer my grandpa had (already being cared for by hospice) and he continued that it could be 3 months or tomorrow.  Little did we know that just a few hours after we made it home, my grandpa passed away.  Robby called the kids over to him since we were all outside and told them the news.  The kids were fine and the big ones remember Grannymom's brother dying so they were familiar with everything.  Graham, my thinker, had only one question-when is Papaw going to be buried?  Anderson said "it was good that we saw him on his birthday."  And my sweet Reagan said "do you think Papaw saw our cards?"  
• Later during the day, I was quizzing Campbell "where is Papaw?" "In heaven" she replied.  "Who else is in heaven?" "Jesus" she said and I asked who else was there.  She said God.  I told her that Papaw wasn't sleepy anymore and was singing to Jesus.  She said "so he doesn't have a bed?"  I started to answer her and her deep thoughts continued with "I saw a lizard outside."
• We were outside most of the afternoon.  Robby was working on one thing and couldn't get it to cooperate.  So the kids and I picked up some rocks from the rock man's piles.  We assume he will come and use them sometime soon-but if not, I will just pinterest my project and do it myself (a recipe for a disaster!)
• By the time we all came in, we were all pretty wet and muddy.  Everyone had shower before supper which was quesadillas.  A few days ago I mentioned that I had made tortilla stuffing to freeze and I must say that it was a hit (delicious and easy to pull out and slap on a tortilla)
• We then made a coca cola cake to cap off the day.  While we waited for the cake we watched Let's Make a Deal.  It wasn't as thrilling as the Price is Right but it still held the kids interest.  Then it was time to eat that cake and it was delicious!  Just enough sugar to help the kids sleep soundly!

May 15, 2013

(click here for today's pictures)

5 weeks, 1 day!

• So yesterday the kids slept in but that wasn't the case today.  They were more than ready for the day. We did have one little crisis this morning when Campbell told Graham that he was going to school today.  Poor Graham's eyes were huge when he asked "really Momma?"  I reminded him that this was Wednesday and he didn't have school but he was pretty uneasy for awhile worrying about school.  Didn't help that when we were in the van, someone asked if we were dropping Graham off first.
• My shower used to be the first thing that happened in the morning but lately I am scrambling to take a shower when school is going on or after their breakfast.  And that was the case today, after everyone ate I told them to put on their clothes and they would have time for a movie before we left.
• I had planned to jump in the shower while they were doing this but soon I was doing girls hair, putting medicine on Reagan's ears, dressing Keaton and Whitman and getting Anderson a shirt that matched. And back to those earrings of Reagans-that girl is so proud of them and she truly believes that everyone that sees her will stare at them.  Mike said something about them tonight and she just grinned from ear to ear.  Getting her ears pierced has made her so crazy proud that it makes me want to take her back and just get something else pierced too (kidding)
• We left at 8:45 and zipped downtown for the Museum of Discovery.  We were there Saturday but our buddies were going today so we went again.  We had the perfect parking spot on Saturday but I knew that wouldn't be the case today so we picked up Robby who dropped us off and picked us up. Candice had the same idea as us and it sure made things easier.  I can not normally parallel park but parallel parking a 15 foot long van would probably prove to be impossible!  (or possibly comical to others!)
• We weren't the only ones who were at the museum today-I counted 4 bus loads while we waited on the others to arrive.  Thankfully, it wasn't really that crazy and by the end of our trip, the place was empty.  The kids were well behaved-even though our group nearly got kicked out of the museum.  There was an overzealous grandma who must have been frazzled by the 300 school kids and took it out on our group (mainly Sara who took the fall for the rest of us).  I'm not saying the kids were perfect but it was all uncalled for.  However the kids were a bit rowdier than they were when Robby was with us.  I am not sure exactly why that is-maybe I should start wearing a belt like their Daddy.
• We had our lunch at the museum and then walked to the park at the river for a few minutes.  That park creeps me out since I can't keep my eyes on everyone and just have to hope that they come back each time they go through a tunnel.  It was a bit easier today with 3 other moms constantly watching out as well.  The kids all did well, stayed near us and had a great time.  
• My driver came to pick us up and we headed home, leaving Reagan to spend the afternoon with Kennedy.  The little ones had a nap when we made it home and the others watched a movie, played in boxes, played Doggie Doggie Who has the Bone and colored some.  And soon it was time for Robby to come home.
• We had supper at Kennedy's house and the kids were eerily calm tonight.  I guess they were tired from the day.  They played downstairs most of the time and played pretty quietly and only briefly played upstairs.  Though my Campbell spent more time sneaking brownies than playing!
• Once at home it is pretty amazing how quickly we can get 6 kids into bed.  Now just to get in bed myself!

May 14, 2013

(click here for today's pictures)

• At 7:30 this morning, we were all still snoozing happily away.  Graham and Campbell came down together followed shortly by Anderson but Reagan and then Keaton joined us soon.  I ran upstairs to grab Graham's clothes and checked the breakfast menu on the way down so I could give Graham his choices. 

  

  The Girls!

• I had my doubters (Robby) and I know we are just on day 2 of the menu but I think this silly breakfast menu is going to work out well for us.  They get so excited-today was yogurt and toast.  Thrilling, I know!  It hasn't proved to be less work for me but I do feel better that they aren't eating pop tarts every morning (though our new options may not be much healthier or cheaper).  But we are at least expanding breakfast food repertoire.
• Robby and Graham made it to school and work in plenty of time and the rest of us had our breakfast and then started to school.  Reagan finally finished that list of games and puzzles-5 pages.  I am think that maybe I promised a bit much saying we would play each and every one of them this summer.

  

  The Boys!

• I am sure that I often sound like a school slave-driver but seriously, the kids have had only minimal school work this past week.  But one of Anderson's tasks was to put 100 numbered popsicles sticks in order.  After 1 hour, he had 14 of them in order.  Seriously!  What was he doing?  I have no idea.  Finally, I figured out that he really had no idea how to do it efficiently-lay them out and then divide them into smaller groups to find them easier.  I just forget that I have to teach them everything!
• And I guess that I can say that it was a good day when there was only poop on the floor once during the day.  Ha!  Keaton did leave the school room at one time and then came back saying "poo poo."  I quickly smeller her and no smells so I forget about it.  A few minutes later, I walked into the hallway and discovered that the child was right and my diaper putting on abilities must be lacking.  I called for Reagan and told her to "stand right here."  She said "why? what's that?"  Thankfully, the catastrophe that could have been was avoided!     
• We even read science and geography today for school.  I unfortunately stopped reading those after Whitman and never started again.  Hopefully, I will do much better at science and history next year.  I, like most people, always have such grand plans and then don't follow through with them like I should.
• This afternoon we went to Grannymom's house to pick up Graham.  I let the kids get out and they played a few games of "go fish" before we headed back at home.  Everyone played outside once we made it home-everyone but Keaton.  She fell asleep in the car and had her nap in the crib upstairs (no, we haven't moved her yet-we are just chicken!)
• After playing outside, a few movies and then going back outside the kids had a pretty busy afternoon. When Robby came home for a few minutes, they all decided to go back outside.  Since he was leaving and backing out, I went out while holding Whitman to corral the kids.  Whitman loved being outside and even looked right at me (or past me but I like to think he was looking at me) and just smiled.  Of course, I didn't have my camera but his grins are getting more and more common.  Hopefully soon I can get a good picture of them.  
• After swinging on the tire swing and a game of baseball with the neighbor kids, I drug everyone in for showers.  There is really only one neighbor kid that I like and feel "ok" about my kids being influenced by-so I am that mom that is always outside within ear shot or I am constantly poking my head out the door or waving through the windows.  I hope that doesn't mean that I am a "helicopter mom" but if it does, so be it.  I still have much training to do with my kiddos before I stop hovering over them.
• Training-kind of like teaching them to eat spaghetti without their being noodles all over the floor.  How can 2 boys get spaghetti noodles 5 feet from their seats while I was in the kitchen with them.  At least, they all helped really well when it was time to clean up.
• Some days I am really good about taking pictures and other days we are waking them up or hurrying around at bedtime to take them.  I still wouldn't change our "pictures every day" plan but it does get crazy sometimes.  Though today, I think that my few good pictures of them was worth the wait.  
• Without Robby, the bedtime routine still went as well as can be expected.  I told the kids every thing that we are going to do for the next week and when I was finished Reagan said "you will have to tell us all of this again."

May 13, 2013

(click here for today's pictures)

Upward Soccer Celebration Night!

• Graham was up pretty early-laying right beside me on the floor with a pillow and blanket (that I keep stashed under the bed).  No telling how long he had been there but he was quick to tell us that he thought Keaton was up.  (She wasn't-she just cries out often in the night.)  Soon he was putting on his clothes and when Reagan and Anderson came down they were also dressed.  They had laid their clothes out last night-usually on days were are at home in the morning, they stay in their pjs.
• Robby took Graham to school.  Today after picking him up from school, Graham told me that his favorite part of the morning was playing outside.
• Campbell had spent the night with Grannymom so our school morning was a bit quieter without her and Graham.   Kind of strange thinking that it is quieter than usual when there are still 4 kids around. This is our last week of school (said that last week though) so Reagan and Anderson do not have too much to do-mainly trying to finish our review of their spellings and finish Reagan's language lessons book.
• Keaton carried her baby doll around most of the morning.  She has really become attached to that thing lately-like she see me carrying a baby around all day or something.  And she is so quick to ask where Whitman is anytime that he is out of her sight. "Where baby?" And if he is fussing, she comes to grab my hand and takes me to him.  
• At 11, we loaded up to get Graham from school and then we went to Grannymom's house to pick up Campbell.  The kids didn't seem to mind our stops but as soon as we pulled into the driveway, they all wanted out.  They love to "race" the van to the garage.  Of course they are running on the grass and I have to go way behind them or way in front of them.  
• Everyone played outside and even had their lunch outside.  Soon everyone trickled in and I let them watch a movie at 2.  Grannymom and Grandpa came over for a bit to pick up Robby's old grill (so their trash people will pick it up).  Here in the country the thing is to just leave your trash in the yard-we aren't yet that countryfied!
• Around 4, everyone kind of got crazy around here but soon Robby was home.  The kids changed into their soccer uniforms and then quickly had supper.  We dropped off Keaton and Whitman at Nonna and Pops house.  Then it was time for the Upward soccer celebration.
• The kids were all sitting with their teams so we left the boys with Tim and we sat with the girls.  The entertainer was pretty impressive-juggling, fire, unicycle, taller unicycle and even the tallest unicycle I have ever seen.  
• Afterwards, the kids all received soccer balls and a ticket to a free snow cone.  We were 382nd in the snow cone line.  We tried to convince the kids to go to Sonic but they were pretty sure they wanted to wait in the line.  After a good 15 minutes they did decide on Sonic but we had taken that offer back!  They were pretty pleased with their snow cones and we let them eat them on the curb.  Two separate occasions a girl sat down by Anderson and he scooted away from them-that crazy boy!

May 12, 2013

(click here for today's pictures)

Breakfast in bed for Mom!

• So this morning was Mother's Day.  And the first thing that happened this morning, according to Reagan and Graham, was Robby waking up really early.  I said "he did?" and Reagan said "yes, he had gotten out all of the stuff to make your waffles."  I just nodded my head.  Robby did wake up early but I was the one who laid out all of the waffle making supplies late last night!  (Editor: So Tara writes the blog but I get to edit; right?  I didn't know she was getting all the supplies out last night -- because I was asleep on the couch! But I could have gotten the supplies out! Ha.)
• I heard the kids and Robby making waffles pretty early but I quickly went right back to sleep.  My nightly meetings (feeding) with Whitman are catching up with me.  But no worries, I might have caught up on some of my sleep during the sermon this morning.  Seriously, I could not keep my eyes open.  Back to the early morning though...
• The kids were delighted to help make the waffles.  They all had a job and took it all pretty seriously.  The only crisis was not having orange juice since they know I do love juice.  They all busted up into our room with waffles, strawberries, milk and a present.  Everyone helped me open my present-bags for the car.  I love bags and I especially love bags for trips.
• We then put on clothes and headed to church.  Graham's class had a special breakfast for the moms along with a picture frame and placemat that he had made.  It bothered Graham a bit that I already knew about everything he had made and even know the songs that they sang for us (I am one of his Sunday school teachers).  But he was pretty proud of the morning.
• Next up was big church followed by lunch at Nonna and Pops house.  We had bbq sandwiches for lunch which Reagan and I could eat every single day.  Then the kids ended up playing outside with the neighbors and we all sat on the deck for awhile.  It was really nice not having choir to hurry home and rest up for so we were able to enjoy the afternoon.
• Back at home, the kids played outside with Robby while I unloaded from the morning.  Then they stayed outside for a long while-until I yelled out the window for Anderson to put on his play shoes.  Then they asked if they could come in (Robby might possibly have locked the door).  So we caved and let them come in for showers.  Showers are getting easier with Reagan and Anderson able to shower upstairs independently.  But still they are a hassle-too bad we will be taking them every single day this summer!  Yuck!
• After their showers, the kids played on the ipad and even watched a bit of bull riding before we loaded up to go and wish Grannymom a Happy Mother's Day.  Speaking up that-Campbell's Sunday school teacher had told her to tell her mom Happy Mother's Day.  And Campbell did that many times today but I wish her teacher would have said to take a nap!  
• We took the ice cream truck over to Grannymom's house and had our Sunday night ice cream over there.  The kids were pretty impressed by our waffle bowls and magic shell-nothing but the best for Mother's day!  
• Soon we were headed home without one kiddo.  Campbell convinced Grannymom to let her spend the night.  Once we made it home, it was time for teeth and bed.  Another good day around here.