Get Naked!

My boys were in desperate need of new bunk beds, so I did what any average mom who's trying to stay within a budget would do. I searched for used furniture on Craigslist.com. I needed two matching sets because I have three boys that bunk together and enough stuffed animals to comprise an entire bed. After realizing I would never find two matching USED pieces, I begrudgingly ordered two overpriced sets of bunk beds online. I was so disappointed when I got them because they were missing several pieces, so I sent them back.

I then (begrudgingly, again) ordered two more sets, slightly higher priced. When I received them, three pieces were broken! I wanted to cry! I had already sold their old furniture. My boys were sleeping on the floor. And here I was out MORE money with broken furniture. So I sent them back. If furniture can't stand up to shipping, how in the heck are they going to stand up to three rowdy boys?!

My friend was over when I opened these boxes and witnessed my breakdown. She's the awesome kind of friend who doesn't let you bellyache. She just comes up with a solution. So, she handed me my purse and sent me down the street to the naked furniture store (you know, unfinished solid wood furniture. I just like saying, "naked.").

In less than twenty minutes, I walked in the store, found two matching bunk beds that had actually been finished, and bought them for LESS than what one set had cost me online. It is solid wood and I'm supporting my local community. I feel good and the boys are, finally, off the floor.

The Pouty Dance

Kenna, like most two-year-olds, has become quite a strong-willed child. Whenever something doesn't go her way, she has started doing what we have coined, "the pouty dance." I would put a video up, but my kids were using my Flip camera and I have no idea where it is (and, surprisingly, they don't know either). Hopefully, I can uncover it and post a video soon. I have a strange feeling that when the older girls get all the junk off their floor, a Flip will emerge.

Anyway, the pouty dance is one heck of a foot stomper. She starts crying and her feet stomp back and forth so it looks like she's dancing. Maybe we'll see a video soon.

R. U. Funkey?

I had no idea what U.B. Funkeys were until they showed up in the mail on Monday. It was my son's birthday (Kyler) and I think he was more excited about the U.B. Funkeys that showed up than he was about his own birthday presents. They are so cool! They are little characters that you buy and a starter kit that you hook up to your PC. In just seconds you are having fun with your Funkeys. Just log on and there is a whole internet world that they can explore. You can travel around, decorate your room, play games, buy stuff, and much more.

I never knew just how FUNKEY my boys were. Kyler even used his Target gift card that he got for his birthday to buy yet another U.B. Funkey. Wow! They are addictive. And the coolest thing about it is that my kids are entertained on the computer in a safe, fun, and funkey environment.

So, now I have a question for YOU!
R. U. Funkey?

Kyler turns TWELVE!

I can't believe it. Kyler is already twelve! We had a birthday party here, and he got a real Indiana Jones hat and a leather whip to accessorize. The boy is officially Indiana Jones crazy! He's been out cracking the whip all morning (literally!).

During the party, I realized that I was short one candle. How could I do that? It wasn't enough that he had to suffer with used pink and purple Barbie birthday candles (yes, I recycle them), but now he only had eleven of them! So, I did some fast thinking and stuck a french fry in there and lit it--it actually burned!! Can you believe it?

So I guess Kyler turned eleven and a fry...

Monday Morning Motivators--where have they gone?

Okay, I know, I know. I'm so sorry that I haven't been able to put out a weekly "Monday Morning Motivator" lately. It has been a bit crazy here because we are gearing up for production of our brand new PBS show, "Hannah, Help Me!" It's very exciting because I'm going to be doing a two-day makeover on a mom in a few weeks. But it's not your typical makeover. It's an "inside out" makeover where we roll up our sleeves and leave no stone unturned--home, family, health, money, everything! It's going to be awesome!

But, please forgive me and my lack of newsletters. I'll get right on it!

Camp Rock!

As most of you know, my oldest girls are Jonas Brothers fans (Obsessive Jonas Disorder to the extreme). So, of course, tonight we were all tuned in to the Disney channel to watch the premiere of "Camp Rock." We even bought the party pack and made a cake for the occasion--complete with a guitar painted out of red icing!

So, we'll just put it this way. Some sing, some act, some do one or the other. Some--and Disney found a way to scope them out--can't do either one.

But, that's just a mom talking. The kids loved the movie and they licked the cake pan clean! Overall, it was a success! I guess I'm going to be listening to that soundtrack for a very looooong time...

What do you think?

Nine Unarguable Truths? What do you think!

I came across this list through an e-mail, and LOVE it! It really makes you stop and think about how important you really are. People love you, people trust you--let's give them our very best. I would love to hear your thoughts on it:

Nine Unarguable Truths

1) There are at least 2 people in this world that you would die for.

2) At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.

3) The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because they want to be just like you.

4) A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don’t like you.

5) Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.

6) You mean the world to at least 3 other people.

7) Someone that you don’t even know exists, trusts you.

8) When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it.

9) When you think the world has turned its back on you, take another look because what you see may surprise you.

Polly Rocks!

My daughters have always been big fans of Polly Pocket. Secretly, I've been a closet fan myself. Klara never has to twist my arm to play with her and her Pollies. We got the Polly pool the other day and my son had a blast putting it together for Klara and Kenna. He even had a great time playing with it, too. He took it to the pool under the guise of bringing it along for Klara and Kenna, but he was hanging out near the edge of the pool playing with the girls. If a 10-year-old boy can enjoy playing with Polly Pockets, then you KNOW it's addictive!

Polly also has a cool birthday contest going on. If your daughter (or SON) sends Polly a birthday party invitation Polly will send her (or him) a personalized birthday card on their birthday, and she (or he) will automatically be entered to win the ENTIRE line of 2008 Polly Pocket toys. One girl (...or boy?) will be selected each month from now till the end of the year. I just wanted to pass this info along to my fellow Polly lovers.

Here's Polly's address (given her small size, I can see how she lives in a box)


Polly Pocket
P.O. Box 877
New York, NY 10108

splashing at the pool

I was filming the kids at the pool and Katie--with her mile-long hair--came out of the water and threw her hair to the back. Korben was coming up behind her to get her with his water gun, but unbeknownst to Katie, she got him first!

refreshing energy!

When summer's heat is bearing down, the last thing I want is to make a cup of coffee in the middle of the day. But, sometimes I just need that quick pick-me-up (especially when it's time to read to the kids which will immediately put me in sleep mode if I am the least bit tired).

Yesterday, I grabbed a Cranenergy drink (by Oceanspray) and it was the perfect solution! It didn't have a bunch of calories, was refreshingly delicious, and had just enough green tea and B vitamins to help me keep going through the day.

It looks like my coffee maker may just have the summer off.

Snap! Crackle! Pop!

I had forgotten how much fun cereal could be. The other day, my kids were begging me for some Rice Crispie treats, so I bought a box. Since I had some left over, I let my youngest child, Kenna, have a bowl of Rice Crispies for breakfast the next day.

When I poured the milk in, she bent her ear over the bowl and said, "What's that?" It was so cute! The memories flooded back of sitting at the breakfast table when I was a little girl, listening to the snap! crackle! and pop! Ahh...music to my ears!

Who knew breakfast could be so much fun?

Book Burning

Summer is officially here! Karis asked if he could burn his math book (his most despised subject in school), so we had a campfire tonight. And, yes, I let him burn his book. Of course, I had to deliver a message about how books are to be treasured, but it didn't matter much as he stood there by the fire with an evil glint in his fourth grade--oops--fifth grade eye.

Girls Night In!

Every now and then, I have a "girls night in" with my two teenage daughters, Kelsey and Katie. Last night, we all snuggled into our pajamas, headed down to the basement, and watched "27 Dresses." It was such a great time! By the way, we all had on our Hatley pajamas (www.hatleystore.com). They are, hands down, the most comfortable PJs I have ever put on my body (and the girls agree)! We love them. As a matter of fact, I would probably live in them all summer if I could. Come to think about it--I think I will!