- Since the church service that the grands all go to has been moved up 15 minutes, we have had to change our Sunday morning wake up times. We all rose a bit earlier-Robby made cinnamon rolls which helped with this process.
- Everyone was dressed and ready when we started asking them to get in the car. Then there was quite a bit of commotion because Robby had earlier started the car with the garage door open just a bit. People started shouting "open the garage," "turn the car off," "the garage is broken," and "we not going to be able to breathe." I guess that I have done an excellent job explaining to the kids about carbon monoxide-now I can mark that off my list of motherly duties.
- We made it to church in time to see the grands and then the kids went on to Sunday school. Robby and I sat in the first service for a few minutes and then headed on to our 3rd grade class. We did Sunday school and then time for the new big church. It was quite different indeed.
- Then on to Grannymom's house to celebrate my birthday. I had picked Mexican food for our meal and everyone seemed to enjoy it. After we all ate and sang Happy Birthday to me (twice), I opened presents-a target gift card, snow boots and a game (Ticket to Ride-which I can't convince Robby to play with me tonight.)
- When we came home, the kids played and watched some movies while Robby and I had a short nap. When we did get up, we had Friday's leftovers with a little extra sauce added to it. It will be a meal that will never end for us-can eat on it the next 17 days.
- Then everyone picked up the house for a few minutes and put on pjs. Next we all settled down to watch a Ninja Warrior before bedtime. We did let the big kids read for a bit-Reagan's Sunday school offered some pretty big rewards for reading the Bible and so she was gung ho to start reading.
- Last night I was very clear about the kids not bothering us this morning and letting us sleep in and kI guess we did get to sleep a bit longer than yesterday. Even though we were awake, we were in no hurry to get out of the bed. We stayed as long as we could.
- Robby eventually made a yummy breakfast for those that waited. We had told the kids that they could eat what he cooked or get their own. Graham and Campbell were the only ones that waited and they did make a very big deal about how yummy his biscuits, sausages and eggs were.
- After we ate, we did get started on our morning-laundry, dishes, cleaning the kitchen, treadmill and showers. Even though the boys games had been delayed by an hour, we were having to hurry to get there on time.
- Graham's game was first and his team did really well today. Graham made a few baskets and each time he did, we would all cheer and holler and he would just grin. Cutest thing ever. Then we had an hour break. Robby took the girls and Whitman to the store to pick up a few items-though they convinced him to buy lots of extras-jello, cinnamon bread, m&ms, apple juice, just to name a few.
- Then it was Anderson's turn. His coach was out of town and I just have to assume that was his team's problem today though the other team never ever seemed to miss a basket. Anderson did good but never made a basket.
- Win or lose, we still celebrated with PeiWei for supper. Robby let me pick which ever Chinese I wanted and that is just always a favorite of mine. We went to the new one and it was a pretty relaxing dinner. On they way home, I ran into the Kroger to buy our needed refrigerated items that Robby couldn't get earlier in the day.
- Then it was back home for showers for all followed by one episode of the baking show before bed. The kids are in bed but it doesn't sound like they are tired at all.
- At 7:03 this house erupted with hoops and hollers and cheers. No one seemed to care that it was my birthday and old women are supposed to sleep in on their birthdays. I had tried to make it clear last night that no matter how much snow was on the ground, no one was going outside until 10. I guess everyone forgot that because only seconds after walking into my room, people were asking if they could go outside.
- Now even though the kids were extremely noisy this morning, they were pretty sweet. They came into our room saying "Happy Birthday! It is a snow day!" That was sweet but I was already a bit bummed about our snow day because I really wanted more than a half an inch of snow.
- We had breakfast-Graham was already wearing at least 6 layers of clothes. He looked like the michelin man. I finally made him take off a layer or two because I told him that I was not going to do a bazillion loads of laundry on my birthday.
- I text the neighbors and they weren't coming out until 11 so that gave us some time to do history and science. They were thrilled! By 10:30, people were dressed in so many layers that you couldn't tell which Dennie kids was who. Socks, gloves, hats and scarves covered the mudroom floor.
- When the clock did strike 11, people flew out the door like the house was on fire. Robby and I went out for a little bit-I took pictures and he threw snowballs. Once my hands were pretty much freezing, I headed back into the house. I tried my hardest to get Whitman to go in with me-when I finally mentioned Skittles he was right behind me heading into the house.
- I unbundled myself and Whitman and we headed inside. I figured that the others would come in soon-but they didn't. They were playing hard and occasionally someone would come to the door asking for new dry gloves.
- The kids did hang out in the garage for a bit and Robby served them hot chocolate and a snack. Around 2 they went inside the neighbors for a bit but after an hour or two, they were back outside until 5.
- For Christmas Robby bought me a big ole pot and I filled it up tonight. I made chili mac and cheese and it was pretty good-which is a good thing because we have enough leftovers to feed us ALL week long. Nonna, Pops and Jason didn't even help us make a dent in in. I think that the kids liked it since some of them went back for seconds so the recipe is a keeper (though we will make a few adjustments.)
- After eating, I opened a few presents-cash, a can opener, shirt and the game of Farkle from Robby. Jason brought me a Home Depot gift card and Nonna and Pops bought a dish and carrier and a magazine subscription. It was a pretty great birthday.
- When everyone left, we put Whitman in bed and then we played Farkle with the kids. They were able to play and everyone had a good time-especially Graham who beat Reagan on the final roll.
- The kids went to bed and Robby and I sat down for a few minutes before eating some birthday pie! (He had already bought me a spiced cider and a pie-which I have already eaten this afternoon-it was just a small one.)
- Well, that little Whitman crawled in our bed around 4:30 this morning and it was just too cold for me to crawl out of bed to lay him down on the floor and I was too tired to march him back up the stairs. He is pretty snugly except I don't sleep well because I am worried that he is going to fall off the bed!
- When the alarm clock rang, I did go up and snatch Keaton from her bed. A few minutes later, Keaton and Whitman were both laying on top of their clothes in my room and there was no getting ready happening. They were some tired little kiddos.
- I finally managed to get them ready and out they headed. I dressed Whitman and Keaton like they were going to class outside today even though they never left the building. The rest of us started on school and the kids were able to finish everything-well, except for Anderson. He played, fooled around, talked and did anything he could except get his school finished. He finally finished his stuff after lunch-gracious me. He may be slow to finish but at least he has a good time doing it.
- Gannymom and Grandpa came over this morning to help put Keaton and Campbell's shelves up in their room. They were able to eat lunch with us and my girls were thrilled with their new shelves. Campbell was worried that she wasn't going to have enough to put on hers but I am sure she will quickly fill it in.
- This afternoon, we didn't do too much-the kids watched a movie for a while and then they spotted the neighbors outside. Even though I had told them to wear a coat, I still had one knuckle head out in the 30 degree weather with just a hat on and not a coat. They played until it was time to come in and thaw out.
- Robby made supper and then I hauled the boys to basketball practice. I finished my Bible study and read a few magazines. I still had time to enjoy watching the boys play some. They really enjoy practice and have a good time.
- Meanwhile back at home, everyone had showers. The girls worked on their shelves and Whitman watched a few movies until we made it back home.
- On the way home, the boys were looking at my phone to check the weather. I told Anderson to call the weather and see what the temperature was. I gave him the phone number and then realized maybe we need to practice talking on the phone some. Even though I had mentioned over and over that it was just a recording, he said "I am so nervous."
- After the boys had showered, it was time for bedtime but I am sure that my boys aren't sleeping at all since they are on a snow watch.
- This was our first day back at Bible study and we were up, even up on time but we still had to scurry around to get ourselves ready. The boys were already awake and dressed. Robby had to try and try to get Reagan and Campbell out of bed (they have started staying up late talking each night and were pretty exhausted.)
- We were pretty anxious to wake Whitman up since I was pretty sure that his eye was going to by matted up. Thankfully, they looked fine-though all around his eyes is pretty red. We asked about his ear and he said it didn't hurt anymore. So we took that as a good thing and since he was acting like he was feeling fine, he was dressed and sent on to Bible study.
- We left a bit later than usual but still made it there on time. There are about 3 different ways that I drive to Bible study depending on my mood and Reagan has decided that we need to time each route to see which is the quickest way to go-except we didn't remember that until we were almost there this morning.
- Bible study was good as usual and afterwards we went with our buddies to Rock Creek. The kids played while the moms talked. Reagan ended up going home with Kennedy when we went home so I was down one all afternoon. Though I did ask the boys were she was once during the afternoon.
- The afternoon flew by with some treadmill time for me and when I wasn't doing that, I was trying to empty out the freezer-snack was from the freezer, tonight's supper was from the freezer, tomorrow's supper will be from the freezer. Operation clean out the pantry and freezer has begun.
- Soon it was time to head to church for our Wednesday night activities. Everyone had a good time and Whitman went back to his class after his break during the fall. I think that he was good so maybe I will take him back next week.
- Once at home, Robby had a snack ready for us and then the kids were back in bed-Graham just came down saying that he thought he saw a fox outside. I tried to see it but it must have gone away and I think that I can still hear those girls above me talking!
- Well, again we had a 2:30 visitor. I was a bit disgusted with needing to wake up early this morning so I just put him in bed with us. I figured we only had 4 more hours to sleep so why not do so uncomfortably. Though we did sleep pretty will since we still missed that 6:30 alarm by a bit.
- The kids were up this morning-we did have to wake Reagan up. Everyone had time to eat breakfast (burritos) at the bar this morning before Keaton and Whitman headed off to school and before everyone else headed off to their desks.
- Our school day went fairly well this morning-it did help that everyone had already done over an hour of school the past few days. This also makes me kind of worried about how school will go on Thursday when we have not done a bit of extra school.
- Before we had lunch we did have a ping pong tournament. Reagan was the winner and the boys were pretty rotten losers. Campbell and I didn't seem to be too upset about losing though since we knew that lunch was coming.
- After we had our lunch, the kids helped me with a few chores. Anderson and Campbell did help me reorganize the game closet-I had asked them to take all of the games off of the shelves and they did that-except they spilled most of them on the floor.
- When chores (and that game mess) were finally picked up the kids headed outside. The neighbors weren't out so the kids didn't last too long. They bounced from inside and outside all afternoon long.
- Keaton and Whitman spent the afternoon at Grannymom's house and by the time they made it home, they were exhausted. We had our supper and then everyone went outside for a final few minutes.
- The kids did come in and start showers before watching some of the Razorback game. Whitman seems to have a cold in his eye and as we were looking at him, we noticed he kept touching his ear. When we asked him about it, he said that he was trying to get something out of it (same thing he said last ear infection.) That might explain the last few nights-argh!
- An early bedtime for the kids tonight since we were still trying to get back into a routine around here.
Robby:
1. Weigh 188 or less.
2. Climb Pinnacle twice.
3. Bowl a game of 150 or better.
Tara:
1. Lose 10 pounds.
2. Fill our house with music (more guitar, more piano, more music playing)
3. Climb Pinnacle with the family.
Reagan:
1. Add more accessories to the bathroom.
2. Move the dangerous swing.
3. Have more root beer floats.
Anderson:
1. Go to a football game.
2. Go to Altitude, Big Rock and the movies.
3. Ride an upside down roller coaster.
Graham:
1. Go to a football game, putt putt and a new restaurant.
2. Run 2 times a week on the treadmill.
3. BBQ with Dad.
Campbell:
1. Play soccer.
2. Make supper and dessert (also make jello sometime.)
3. Hang shelves over bed.
Keaton:
1. Go some place to eat.
2. Learn to read.
3. Go to a new state.
Whitman:
1. Learn to pedal bike.
2. Read a book.
3. Jump on a bouncy.
And just for crazy kicks, let's review last year's resolutions:
Robby:
1. Learn to play a song on the guitar. (nope but I can pick a song out on the guitar)
2. Go to a baseball game. (yes, Travelers)
3. Weigh less than 190 pounds this time next year. (nope)
Tara:
1. Exercise 3 times a week. (I did for the first part of the year)
2. Finish the mirror for the mantle and the mantle decorations (Finished the mirror but nothing else)
3. Teach the kids to cook more. (Some but not as much as I would like)
Reagan:
1. Improve at soccer. (She is a soccer pro)
2. Get more accessories for her room. (She told me the other day that she didn't need anymore pillows and there is no wall space left)
3. Learn how to use the oven. (We just got a new oven so no one knows how to use it)
4. Eat more fruit. (Possibly)
5. Go to a football game. (Josh's game in Mississippi)
Anderson:
1. Play putt-putt with the family. (yes, Father's Day and with the Wilsons)
2. Play flag football. (nope)
3. Go to Big Rock or Playtime Pizza. (Big Rock for putt-putt and Playtime with the family)
4. Make breakfast for the family with Dad. (nope)
5. Get in shape. (possibly)
6. Eat more fruit. (ha! ha! ha!)
Graham:
1. Go to a football stadium. (yes, Josh's in Mississippi)
2. Learn how to write in cursive. (yes)
3. Learn to BBQ with Dad. (nope)
4. Learn to play the guitar. (improving)
5. Learn to play basketball. (yes, playing now at Immanuel)
Campbell:
1. Go to Altitude. (yes, with the family)
2. Go to Target. (yes)
3. Go to Playtime Pizza. (yes, with the family)
4. Go bowling. (yes, with the family)
5. Play all our games. (nope)
6. Make meals for the family. (some, she is a pro in the kitchen)
7. Make a new friend. (yes-Zoey)
8. Play soccer better. (yes)
Keaton:
1. Play soccer. (yes)
2. Play with Elsa doll and all her princess dolls more. (yes)
3. Play the Dora game on the Xbox. (not too much)
Whitman:
1. Learn to potty. (thank God we are finally there!)
2. Learn to sit still and obey. (ha! ha! ha!)
3. Sleep in the boys' room. (much easier than we ever expected)
