The Family Parade

Today Kyler, my 12-year-old, was running out the door when he yelled to me, "Mom, I'm going to my friend's house to pick up a book." I noticed that Oscar, our yorkie, was anxiously standing by the door so I handed him the leash and said, "Here, take Oscar with you."

Karis, my 10-year-old son overheard and remarked, "Oh! You're taking Oscar for a walk? I want to come along."

Korben overheard Karis, "I'm coming!"

Kenna came running, "Me go! Me go!"

I started to get Kenna to keep her with me but Kelsey walked in at that moment. "Hey, I'll take Kenna. I need some fresh air anyway."

Kyler just looked at me and pleaded, "Mom! Please! I'm just running down the street to borrow a book. Does it really have to be a Keeley family parade?"

Well,....yes.

Pets ARE allowed!

No! You are not getting a kitten. No! You can't have an iguana. No! You can't put a collar and leash on your little sister! Why? Because who ends up caring for the pets...the MOM, that's who! Nintendo DS has just made saying “yes” to a pet a little easier. With GoPets Vacation Island kids can adopt a pet, care for it, make friends with other pets, and play games – all in a virtual world!

The pets in the game, either a dog or a cat, can be chosen randomly or matched to your child based on their interests. The pet’s name and appearance, however, is completely up to your kid. As your child makes their way around the island, caring for their pets and meeting friends, they can trade purple shells they earn for different toys and pet supplies. Your kid can also interact with other characters, and compete in mini games. Kids can also befriend new islanders, exchange gifts, and even unlock new places to visit, all while increasing their ranking and with the goal of acquiring the title of Big Kahuna, the most influential resident of Vacation Island.

GoPets even lets kids connect with other players from around the world by throwing a Wi-Fi party, allowing your child to chat with Nintendo Friend Code buddies. Through the Nintendo DS system, kids can only talk with players that they’ve given their Friend Code to, so you can rest assured that they are only chatting with approved buddies.

So, if you're sick of saying "NO!" to all of the pet requests, then motherhood just got a whole lot easier.

I'm not sleepy!!

Kenna is at that awkward stage where she is growing out of a daily nap. When she does take a nap, she is up until 10pm. When she goes without one, she is totally exhausted and can barely make it until 8pm. I rock her to sleep every night, so this quandary either makes my rocking take ten minutes...or hours!

She had a nap today and tonight was one of those nights when she wasn't sleepy. She had no problem telling me about it either. She was so funny!!! She insisted that she wasn't sleepy and well, I guess she was right because it's after 11pm, and I just laid her down in her bed...fast asleep.

Brush Your Teeth On THIS!

Doesn't it feel good to be a part of something special? Whether it's making cupcakes for a bake sale or brushing your teeth to save the planet, it just makes you feel good all over. I was so excited to find out about Preserve toothbrushes (I picked up a bunch of them and even the little ones use them). These toothbrushes are made out of recycled yogurt containers. Is that cool or WHAT?

So, every time you chow on some yogurt and toss the container in the recycling your bin...you are making your smile that much brighter. And saving the planet is definitely something worth smiling about.

Check out this cool video of how these toothbrushes are made:

http://www.recycline.com/sundance.html

Lame fireworks in the 'burbs

We never go to firework displays because it always seems that we have a little one who is bothered by the loud noises. So we always end up lighting fireworks at home in our cul de sac. That's how it is with big families, you always have to round off to the lowest common denominator. It works fine most of the time, but you always have those kids who want a little more bang for their buck. Check out Klara and her opinion of the fireworks. You've got to admire her honesty.

btw--I found my Flip. It was in Kelsey's (my 15-yr-old) overnight bag!

Don't Shop on Pay Day!!

Wowsers! The kids and I went to Wal-Mart today to pick up some groceries and comforters for the boys' room. It was crazy busy! I couldn't get over the crowd. Trying to maneuver through the store with two buggies and seven kids was practically impossible.

Finally, exasperated, I was in the produce department and exclaimed out loud, "This is insane! I've never seen this place so busy!" One of the employees stocking the shelves overheard me and remarked, "It's always like this at the beginning of the month."

What a wake up call! I had never even thought of that! People get their paychecks and then run to spend it. There's a better way. I promise. It's called living within a budget and purchasing with a plan in mind. I'm so excited about the show that we are producing because one thing I will be helping moms with is achieving financial peace. Getting some money and then running out to spend it is no way to live!

Now I know better--avoid Wal-Mart on the first of the month!