February 9, 2018

(click here for today's pictures)

• Since my big boys weren't here this morning, we did something that I rarely do-cancelled school! It was pretty wonderful especially since I slept until 9. Everyone else was awake pretty early. Campbell was the only one who came in our room, and that was to ask if she could make lemonade. The kids know that if you ask for something while I am in bed, the answer is pretty much yes.
• Soon I was awake and working on my pretty long list for the morning. I was busy this morning but so were my girls. Most of my work was in the school room today-organizing that closet and preparing for next week. Reagan made Whitman a Valentine's box, Keaton listened to a few stories that I read to Whitman, and Campbell made more slime. So even though we didn't do school this morning, we all spent most of the morning in the school room.
• We had our lunch, and before too long the boys came home. They went to Third Realm; this was just their second time there. The first time it was crazy crowded, but this time, they were some of the only folks there. They had so much fun and came home and told us all about it.
• Grannymom and Grandpa came over this afternoon to pick up Graham. He spent the night at their house tonight. I am sure that he probably wasn't too lively since he was pretty tired when he left. Whitman was proud to show off some of his reading skills. That boy loves doing his "schoolwork" here at home. I tried to get him to skip some today but he would have none of it.
• This evening, we dropped the kids off at Nonna and Pops' house. We went to play a few games at Laryn's house. After eating cookies, cake and cobbler along with pizza and salad, we left there completely stuffed. 
• We picked the kids up from Nonna's house. They had fun hanging out over there, and most everyone had a shower. Once at home, Reagan scrambled and had her shower before joining all of her siblings in their beds!

February 8, 2018

(click here for today's pictures)

• Whitman joined us in the bed this morning, and we snoozed until time for him to leave. He was quick to get ready because this was V day for show and tell. He had a Vest to wear along with a Valentine and the letter V in the pocket.
• The kids started on school, and everything was going well until the blasted doorbell rang. With 5 kids peering out the window, I just couldn't not answer it. Afterwards, I did try to explain to everyone that I don't want to answer the door when it is strangers, and we need to pretend like we aren't home.
• Anyway, it was an old man, and I could take him if I needed to so I did open the door. He seemed nice enough, told me that he was from a church and then asked me if I wanted a blessing. Um, I am not really sure if you can say "no" to a blessing. Should I have said, "nah, I'll pass?" Anyway, I said, "sure" and the next thing I knew, I was having the Lord's supper out on the front porch with a strange man. Oh my gracious. I am never ever opening the front door again!
• Once things calmed back down after all of that, we went back to our school work. The kids did well today mainly because they knew that there will be no school tomorrow. The boys are spending the night with Ethan for his birthday celebration, and since they will be gone, I am letting the girls skip as well. I have plenty of things to do around here to stay busy so hopefully tomorrow will be a productive day.
• Whitman arrived home around lunch, and soon we were all making our lunches. The girls and Graham had smoothies and Anderson and Whitman ate sandwiches. Afterwards, we all started on our chores. This week our main chore focus was on organizing a few drawers and cleaning the showers/bathtubs. We only managed to clean 2 of the 4 showers, but I will still take that as a win! We will do better next time. 
• The afternoon seemed to fly by. Anderson and Graham both did their Valentines. Campbell made more slime, which is her favorite thing to do right now. Campbell and Keaton both helped me work on stuff for next week's 100 days of school party. Reagan made her Valentine box, and Whitman did school with me.
• We had Refresh tonight at church, and the kids enjoyed it tonight as they always do. I think they just like being with their friends without any real structure. The church was pretty crazy busy tonight with lots of things going on and lots of people preparing for this weekends activities.
• When I picked Whitman up from his class tonight, his teacher told me that he told her, "I like my other teachers better than you. They are not as bossy as you are." The big boys went home with Ethan, and they were so, so excited. 
• Once we came home, everyone put on their pjs and then they had a bit of downtime before bed. We did send everyone to bed at 9:30 so they did get to stay up a bit later than usual!

February 7, 2018

(click here for today's pictures)

• I woke up pretty quickly this morning when my alarm went off...and then I went right back to sleep. This made things a bit rushed this morning. As I was getting in the shower, I had only about 30 minutes until we needed to leave. We were able to scramble around and make it out the door in time to be on time to Bible study. Reagan did leave her Bible study book at home but at least her tummy and mine had been filled with a warm bagel. 
• After Bible study, we headed to Rock Creek to play. It was odd because it was empty there today. The big kids played in the tubes, but they also spent a good deal of time playing Spoons and Apples to Apples.
• On the way home, we stopped by Dairy Queen for our weekly Blizzards. I do believe that these were the best ones to date. The kids all ordered one so I didn't even get one. Now, I did have a few bites of everyone's though. 
• As we were driving home, Reagan shouted, "there we are." Huh? I looked up and there our Baptist truck was sitting at a gas station. We have never seen the truck out and about so I pulled in the parking lot. Graham and Campbell were the only ones to get out of the car. The others were embarrassed because the driver was sitting in the truck. My people were sure little when that picture was made, and I sure did look younger back then.
• Once at home, we didn't too much. Everyone helped unload the car and worked on their chores. Anderson and Graham picked out their Valentine cards. Whitman did school with me and there was lots of ipad playing going on.
• Around 4:45, we heated up some leftovers, and everyone ate before we loaded up and headed towards church. My games were fun tonight so that made my job pass by quickly. Soon it was time to head home.
• When we arrived home, Robby had popcorn and candy for everyone's snack tonight. Now, I am not too sure what I will have for my snack. The kids then had their showers and soon it was bedtime for all the little Dennies.

February 6, 2018

(click here for today's pictures)

• Robby left early this morning for Bible study. I didn't hear him get up or leave, but I must have because my dream was crazy. It involved us leaving for a cruise with just Whitman with us. We didn't pay for him but snuck him on the boat. The other kids we just left at Grannymom's house. I didn't even pack their bags; we left in such a hurry. Nonna and Pops were on the cruise with us so that is why Grannymom was left with everyone. 
• Campbell, Keaton and then Whitman all joined me in my bed this morning. Whitman is much more cuddly than the girls especially since Campbell was already working on their school work. I found Whitman's clothes and within minutes of putting them on, he was in the car headed to school.
• Everyone, except for Anderson, did the majority of their school work last night so everyone was anxious to work with me this morning. Usually, I have to plead and beg to find someone to work with since they were busily working on their own things. Today was very different. At one point, Keaton just sat down and waited while I worked with Campbell so she could be sure to have a turn. 
• We were finished by the time a worker lady showed up to fix my chipped windshield. Keaton watched her for a little bit but it was too cold in the garage to stick around long for me. Keaton did ask me "what if she steals something from the car?" I assured her that we knew where she worked and we even knew her name and that she probably wouldn't take anything.
• At noon, we had lunch, and then everyone worked on their chores. They can manage to get them accomplished quickly when we have things to do, and today was had things to do and places to go. 
• We left at 1 for the Dollar Tree for everyone to pick out their Valentine Day candy for their friend's Valentines. Everyone was able to find theirs without too much drama. I was a softie and did let the kids spend some of their money and buy some candy for themselves. This made them incredibly happy, but I made sure to collect my money as soon as we walked into the door tonight.
• We then picked up Whitman from Grannymom's house. He wasn't too sure if he wanted to skate, but I am sure glad that he came. Last time he skated, even though he was holding on to the skate aid, it took everything in me to hold him up as well. I had to walk around holding his arm about 4 times and after that, he could do it by himself. Well, he still wanted someone to skate around with him, mainly to help him get back up after he did fall.
• Everyone else continues to improve on their skating. We aren't going to be winning any medals or even races but at least my crew doesn't look foolish. Anderson was ready to go pretty early, but Reagan and her friends skated until the last final moment. We had actually never skated until closing time (5) but we did tonight.
• It was cold and rainy on the way home tonight. I gave the kids driving in the rain pointers on the entire drive home. Once at home, folks started running through the showers. Robby had chicken spaghetti warm in the oven for us. It was a leftover freezer meal which was really good tonight-probably because it was hot on this cold night.
• Campbell and Keaton worked on their Valentines tonight, and then we all watched the end of the Hogs game while cuddled up under lots of blankets. I was cuddled under so many blankets that Keaton and I were soon snoozing and missing the last bit of the show we had on. 
• At 9, everyone headed upstairs to brush, and then Robby read them a chapter or two of the Bible. We aren't very far along, but hopefully we can finish the New Testament this year.

February 5, 2018

(click here for today's pictures)

• Whitman crawled in bed with me and asked if he could eat a "fast breakfast" in the living room. That would be fine except that meant that we had to hurry. He had a bit of trouble picking out a "fast" breakfast especially since I wasn't too sure what a "fast breakfast" because my suggestion of a pop tart was turned down.
• He figured out something to eat and was soon on his way to school. Ms. Stacy wasn't there today so I am sure that school was just a bit different for him, but he still enjoyed it. I then ran upstairs to start waking up the girls.
• Campbell and Keaton have been sharing a bed for almost a week now. I have heard that Keaton is scared, and Campbell sleeps better with Keaton next to her. I don't really care as long as they are quiet, sleep and as long as people know that they really do each have their own beds.
• School went very well today even though it seemed to take forever for some of my people. Anderson is a pretty slow typer so typing his 3 paragraphs took him a while, but he finally finished. It was around 12:30 when we finally had our lunch. Everyone ate different things but most everyone used the panini maker today. I had some of Robby's leftover meatballs from last night, and they were still delicious.
• We started on our chores after lunch. My little girls had acted a fool during our read together time so they earned some extra chores. I don't know what I hadn't thought of this idea before, but it will be my new go to! I enjoyed getting a few extra chores accomplished without having to do anything.
• We were pretty busy this afternoon. I was able to work on my crazy school room closet, and hopefully by the end of the week, it will a clean, clean closet. I was even able to get on the treadmill before Whitman came home with Nonna and Pops.
• Before Whitman came home, Graham made him a fort in my bedroom. Every time Whitman comes home, he wants for Graham to make him a marble track so today, Graham beat him to the punch and made a fort instead. Whitman was pretty pleased with it and spent a good deal of the rest of the afternoon in it-reading a book with Reagan, doing his school work with me and watching movies on his ipad.
• We didn't eat until after 6 tonight. We had leftover chili for supper, and it fed everyone. I am still so proud of my instant pot beans that I made for our chili. After supper, the kids and I played an indoor game of soccer. Thankfully, there were no major injuries other than a bloodied toe. 
• Afterwards, we watched some tv and ate a few cookies. Everyone but Anderson started on their school work tonight. This is helpful but it is also a problem because tomorrow they will be finished early with nothing to do except for bothering Anderson! 
• Tomorrow is another school day for Whitman, and then skating for everyone.

February 4, 2018

(click here for today's pictures)

• Sunday morning and Anderson and Graham were the only ones awake this morning when we started stirring. Soon though, everyone was moving around. We had ten doughnuts left over from Reagan and Pops' outing yesterday. That meant that everyone could have 1 and a half which is all fine and good except that I didn't cut them in uniform halves last night nor did I direct anyone on what type of doughnuts they could eat. I was afraid that the boys would clean out the specialty doughnuts leaving the girls without. I am not really sure what happened for breakfast because I heard no complaints and still have some doughnuts left in the box. Keaton didn't like hers so it was given to Whitman, who wasn't so sure about eating one that had a bite already eaten out of it. 
• The Lord's Supper was today, and I am so glad that Robby didn't have to help pass it out. One time lately, he was serving and I was left holding a plate of tiny and full cups of grape juice, wrestling Whitman with no one to hand the plate to. Today was much better! I know that I probably baby Whitman, but holding him in my lap during church seems to work the best right now. He is still enough that I can attend to most of the sermon and even hold and read my Bible during the sermon.
• After Sunday school, we went to Grannymom's house to eat our lunch. Lilly was sick so Dana's crew wasn't there. The kids enjoyed watching a tv show after lunch. When we left, we ran to a few spots to buy some gift cards for tonight's games.
• Once at home, we went to town in the kitchen. Robby made meatballs, Anderson made cookies, Reagan plated our sugar cookies, Keaton plated the cookies Anderson made, we made chili and grilled hot dogs and sausages. We then decided that we didn't have enough beans in the kitchen and since we didn't have any cans of beans, we made some in the instant pot. While they were cooking, I took a snooze while Robby listened to a sermon from another preacher today.
• We headed to the Wilson's house just before kickoff. Once we arrived, we unloaded and then everyone picked spots to win the prizes. Prizes were given out every quarter and the kids had a really fun time snacking, playing and watching some of the game. I won one prize, Reagan won another and Brett won two prizes.
• The kids were anxious to get home though because they wanted to see if they had won any of the prizes at home. We not only filled out our squares at the Wilsons but we also did it at home. Graham won twice, Anderson won and Robby won. And Robby is such a softie that he let the losers (Whitman, Reagan, Campbell and Keaton) pick a consolation prize.
• We read a bit before bed, and then it was bedtime. Tomorrow is a normal day but then a bit of craziness starts around here and we have a busy few days/weeks!

February 3, 2018

(click here for today's pictures)

• I somehow knew it would be like this but we were awake this morning at least 30 minutes earlier than we have any day this week. Whitman beebopped into our room and laid beside us for a bit. By the time that he left, we were wide awake. 
• Robby eventually got up to make cinnamon rolls for the kids. When they were ready, he brought back a plateful for us to enjoy back in the bed as I had done for him last week. I think that we might have a pretty great Saturday morning tradition going there...at least until soccer starts.
• We then listened to a sermon from a preacher that he heard this week, but during the second sermon I feel right on back to sleep. That didn't last long though because we were soon awake. 
• Honestly, when I saw the kitchen after an unsupervised breakfast, I did think about turning right back around and getting back into bed. I didn't though and cleaned the kitchen before organizing a drawer in the kitchen. 
• I even worked on cleaning my school room closet-think hideous! I just did 4 sections and at this rate, I figure that I have 7 more sections to do (Eeek!) Robby, Anderson and Graham headed off to the movies right before lunch. The boys were excited about getting to see Paddington.
• The girls, Whitman and I had our lunch and then Jason showed up. He brought some cardboard for Keaton. He stayed for a bit entertaining the girls. I folded some clothes and even had a snooze while he was here. 
• The boys and Robby came home, and we helped unload their groceries. I worked some more on my closet and had a shower before Nonna and Reagan arrived. They had a big evening, eating steak out, and a big morning, doing some shopping. Reagan was chatty when she came home, so she had a good time.
• When Nonna left, I dried my hair, and we loaded up for the Wilson's house. Tony made his fried rice and Layne had made a dessert and Campbell had made brownies by herself here at the house. The kids enjoyed playing outside most of the time that we were there.
• So when we did come home, they all needed showers before bed. Everyone showered pretty quickly, and we were in bed in no time.