For a limited time only the High School Musical Bear is available. Guess who arrived on my front door today? Yep, it was this cute, plush brown High School Musical Teddy Bear and we got GOBS of pictures which means I'll be using my Flickr account even more today. But mine came wearing a black "High Wildcats" jogging suit and his very own house. Remember, I mentioned never going to a Build a Bear Workshop before but knew you got the bear, an outfit and of course the house. I love it and do plan on going with the girls around Christmas time. Shhhh, they can't find out.

As you can tell I really LOVE this bear and he's already warmed his way into three of my kids' heart. I think Soccerboy thinks he's too old but he's already claimed if he had one with a Nascar outfit or a Harley he'd have him on his dresser. So I know he too likes him. The three youngest keep putting him in and out of the box or driving him around in the ride-on car they have.

This teddy as you can see has the "High School Musical" words on his right paw and the Wildcat on his left. He wears a dog tag on one side has the words, "High School Musical" and the other is a picture of the whole gang. The girls love that part. Now you can get them with the musical chip in it, this one didn't come with it, but it is possible. This one comes at around $22, a music piece is an additional $5. You can also get one of the other two High School Musical bears, Wildcats Stylin' High School Musical Bear at $59 and Red Cheerleader High School Musical at $41.

But did you know that between now (July 31st) and August 11 there is a Sweeps? In the sweeps you can WIN for your school to have a visit by Corbin Bleu from High School Musical.

Which Bear do you think your child would like? I know one of my girls will want the cheerleader. As you can see by the side shot here, BalletGirl loves him. She's even more excited that he is a HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL fan just like her.

Labels: build a bear, build-a-bear, build-a-bear workshop, corbin bleu, high school musical, high school musical teddy bear

That's right the cast came off. It actually came off on the 29th, her daddy's birthday. I was worried sick about how she would react upon seeing the saw but daddy said she was so brave. In fact he says she laughed because it tickled. lol. Can you picture it?

She did have a little red area on the inside of her elbow from where the cast stayed on it. But other than that she did great. She said it felt great to have it off, but refused to move it. She actually walked around that night like she still had it on it. I've never had a cast on so wouldn't know if that is normal.

The doctor says she must still be careful for at LEAST two more weeks. So no skateboards or in her case scooters. Thank goodness. She told me last night that it started hurting again in the area so we've put back on her brace for now at least until she feels it doesn't hurt and we know it's healed completely and won't snap back out of place. eeeek.

I'm not even telling you what this hospital bill is costing but it is much larger than $300. Here's an older shot of her in the brace before the cast went on, so it gives you an idea. (she's such a fragile little thing)

Labels: 4-year-old with cast, broke wrist, the cast came off

How many of you watch reality tv shows? Got any favorites? How about "So you Think You Can Dance"? I know many of you probably tune in, in fact I've read a few of your blogs where you give updates.

For those that don't know each dance tells it's own story through its own musical way. Watch as these great dancers team together and just flow with the music. Watch the theme of the choregraphers and see what they were trying to do. Know how much work is put into something like this just by the dancer alone, all that practice they endured to get to where they are. Children love to dance along as well so this is definitely one of those things you can do with them. Tune in and watch.

Now I will be the first to tell you I CAN'T DANCE, therefore the "So You Think You Can Dance Contest" would've been no good for me but maybe you. For now you can head over and check out the "Happy Dance Contest" that is sponsored through Snuggle. Watch the dances, even Snuggles is getting in the groove. Snuggles sponsored this Dance Contest with the release of their Fresh Release Product, and boy does it smell good. (look forward to that review coming up)

You can even upload your own video. Here is the list of entries to date. Which one is your favorite. These videos are cracking me up. Oh there is even a current So You Think You Can Dance tour date list. They'll actually be in my area in October. Who else is going to the Kansas City, MO tour? Anyone?

The opinions expressed on this site are those of the author(s) and are not endorsed by FOX, 19, Dick Clark Productions, or Snuggle.

Labels: Channel 19, Dick Clark Productions, fox, snuggle, so you think you can dance, so you think you can dance contest

Well this one won't be so wordless. I told ya'll last week that I cut BalletGirl and my hair, no picture of myself yet but here is the one of BalletGirl. She's actually very excited about it. She says she can't wait to go back to school and show everyone. Oh and that she isn't so hot anymore, she hated brushing her hair all out as it was long (middle of her back). But now it's easier to manage and short so the cool breeze can go through it. She's sitting on my favorite couch (of all time) and watching "Alice Upside Down" for the millionth time. Don't forget to scroll down to sign up for one of the giveaways I have.



This is part of wordless wednesday, please drop me a message so I can visit you. You can also go to The Hub and 5Minutesformom

Labels: 5minutemoms, wordless wednesday

First don't forget to stop by Bloggy Giveaways where there was already 800 giveaways listed. I also have two at Babylune and 5 here at Life of a Home Mom. Do you have any? List them in the comments.

City Streams is giving away a one year subscription to Home & Gardens Magazine.

The Weary Parent wants to help you prepare for school with some EZ School Supplies.

Mommy Cracked is giving away 30 personalized calling cards from The Sign and Stationary Station.

Thrifty Mommy wants to terminate your debt by giving you the debt terminator.

Film Gecko is giving away two different DVDs as a package deal: Cory in the House: Newt & Improved Edition & Wish Gone Amiss (Miley Cyrus is in it). She's also got 10,000 BC and Girlfriends Season 4. Oh and if you are a big Selena Gomez fan, there is the Wizards of Waverly Place Wizard School.

All Holiday Cafe is giving away the Eat, Shrink, and Be Merry cook book.

Inside Fatherhood is giving away Your Baby Can Read. I highly recommend this one.

Gilmore Girls News is having a Beauty Giveaway with a ton of stuff: 3 month supply of Acuvue, beauty products from Mally Beauty, glam's pink swirl travel contact lens case and the TESS Kit. Wow!

Layers Upon Layers is giving away 4 different magazines:Somerset Studio, Life Images, Belle Armoire, Somerset Life, Artful Blogging.

Reviewing Baby Gear is giving away $25GC to Krispy Banana Kids.

Fatherhood Matters is giving away the most loved children's book, "Goodnight Moon."

Disney Society is giving away the Sony Ericsson Z750 Purple phone.

There's a Summer Beauty Giveaway going on at Gilmore Girls News this week.

Jewelry & Beading is giving away a very Beautiful Medallion.

Yankering For Yarn has 7 different giveaways going on and even wrote a list to all of them.

Medium Dreams is giving away a book on tarot cards and how to use them.

Labels: bloggy giveaways, dvd giveaways, gc giveaways, july giveaways, movie giveaways, school giveaways

Ready for another giveaway? I just love the bloggy giveaways this year, there are so many. Oh come on, you know your child would love to have you win something just for them. Build-a-Bear has decided to give one lucky reader a $25 GC to their store. Have you ever made a Build-a-Bear? If not I hear they are loads of fun and there is something for everyone. I know my girls have been begging to do this one.

When you visit Build-A-Bear, you will have a selection of stuffed animal skins (not real skins) to choose from. Things like teddy bears, bunnies, cats, dogs, alligators, birds, penguins, frogs and much, much more. After you've selected your animal you get to pick out other items like clothes, accessories, the song chip and other items. When you leave these pets go in style with their own little homes and a certificate of birth. Ready to win some.Prize: $25 GC to Build-a-Bear

RULES: Drop a comment telling me what animal you'd like to build at Build-a-Bear and what costume.

DEADLINE: I'll announce the winner August 3. (had to change date as may not be available tomorrow)

Labels: $25 GC, bloggy giveaway, build-a-bear, build-a-bear workshop

I've got another giveaway for you that just came today, I hope ya'll aren't tired of all those Bloggy Giveaways yet. This time Lands' End wanted to get in on this and they are giving one lucky winner a great Lands' End Multitask Backpack. Now I've never owned anything by Lands' End but I've heard only good reviews about this company.Currently Lands' End has a back-to-school deal for you, it's FREE SHIPPING between July 31 through August 6 use this code at check out. BACKTOSCHOOL and the pin 2382
Prize: Lands’ End Multitask Backpack

Backpack Features:
- Stash panel for a jacket, sports gear or bike helmet
- Separate bottom chamber to stow a set of shoes
- 360° reflective trim to keep kids visible
- Mesh side pockets to hold water bottles
- D-ring to clip on extras, like a lunch box
- MP3/CD player pouch for tunes

RULES: Yes, there are rules. You must comment below telling me what other Land's End product you like. Or what is left on your list to buy for the upcoming school year.

DEADLINE: I'll announce the winner August 3, sorry had to change the date since I may not be here tomorrow.

Labels: bloggy giveaways, giveaway, lands' end back pack, lands' end multitask backpack

The winner of the Fandango $20 GC is.............................


My favorite Brenden Fraser movie is definitely Encino Man!!

Labels: brendan fraser, fandango bucks, journey to the center of the earth

".........It sickens me to death how politicians are always out to get veterans, it's not our fault that they were to cowardly to join the military and fight the battles, policing actions and wars they chose to send us to. Now they are trying to close Chapter 317 of the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) in Kansas City, because their members are too old to make all the meetings. I am not a veteran of the Vietnam war, and to me it was a war regardless....."

Please drop by and let him know what you think: Politicians Against Veterans Again

Labels: politicians against veterans again, vietnam vets, vietnam vets get the boot, vietnam war, VVA in kansas city

I'm listing yet another giveaway for the Bloggy Giveaways for the week. So hopefully you'll drop a comment and play along. I was lucky enough to get a few coupons to try out Cocoa Puffs brand new, Combos Cereal. This is the cereal that has both chocolate and vanilla. YUMMY! Hey I'm a lover of chocolate and loved the new cereal, it isn't too sweet which is what I was afraid of.


Here’s how to enter the Cococa Puffs Combos Cereal Giveaway:

- Leave a comment on this post before 11:59p.m. Friday, August 1st (Pacific Time). Only one comment per household please (email). US. Residents only.

- Tell me one of your favorite General Mills Cereals.

- I’ll be announcing the winner on August 2nd, my daughter’s 5th Birthday.

- There will be 2 winners picked to get a coupon for a FREE box of Cocoa Puffs Combos Cereal. I will email the winner (provided they leave a working email addy) and they will be required to email me back within 5 days.

- If the winner does NOT respond I will pick someone else.

GOOD LUCK!

Labels: bloggy giveaway, cocoa puffs combos cereal, cocoa puffs giveaway

Isn't it neat? I hadn't even thought about how the girls got the bears at the birthday party. Now we get to see the behind the scenes of the movie, "Alice Upside Down." It does look like they had fun.


Alice Upside Down Cast At Build-A-Bear Workshop - Funny blooper videos are here

Labels: alice upside down, alyson stoner, build-a-bear, build-a-bear workshop

I got a Precious Moments Birthday (ceramic) Figurine in the mail and my girls simply loved it. You know my cabinet that was dedicated to MY porcelain dolls? Well she's right and the second shelf at their eye view. She's such a pretty thing with the letters XOXOXOX in her hand like a birthday banner and a little hat on the top of her pretty blonde hair. She really is precious and something they'll always have to remind them of their birthday.

Over at Precious Moms they've put together a great Precious Party package for you to have if you are a big precious moments collector. Even if you aren't. There are Precious Moment invitations, thank yous, a checklist and much more. On their blog you'll find a discussion area, arts & Crafts, a Q&A, articles for you and more. There's even a featured Precious Moments on the side for you to check out.


Would you like one? Today, I am giving away one of these beautiful dolls to one lucky reader in part of the Bloggy Giveaways.

RULES: Yes, there are rules. You must comment below telling me what other Precious Moments Figurine or doll you'd like.

DEADLINE: August 1. I'll announce the winner August 2, which happens to be my youngest daughter's birthday. (isn't it perfect)

Labels: bloggy giveaways, bsmedia moms, precious moments, precious moments figurine, precious moms, precious party package

It's that time again! The Bloggy Giveaways are back and The Life of a Home Mom has a few nice gifts for you. So get ready for a lot of fun this week and watch for my follow up posts where I'll be giving away some Cocoa Puffs and Precious Moment Statue.

Labels: bloggy giveaways

The kids are hooked on yet another movie, at least this one is a bit less sad than the last one. Imagine what life would be like if you found out your family was moving. Has it ever happened to you? I know it has for me as a child, course I was actually excited for this to happen as it meant I could start over and be someone new. However, when my kids had to move from the military last year they weren't exactly thrilled. They dreaded started a new school and making new friends. The movie was a perfect match for us. What was it?



Alice Upside Down is all about a widowed father, Ben, (played by Luke Perry) trying to raise to upcoming teenagers. Ben's wife died when Alice (his daughter, played by Alyson Stoner) was only 5 years-old, so she doesn't have as many memories of her mom that her brother, Lester, (played by Lucas Grabeel)does. Alice is always doing something to embarrass herself, this includes dumping her lunch on herself and her new BFF. Eeek! Or knocking over an entire stage in front of an audience.

Alice is constantly trying to find someone to lead her like her mother would've, thinking about how things would be different if she had someone to guide her. She states if she did she wouldn't be a loser. (sad) She tries desperately to get one teacher because she doesn't want the "mean" one, but finds out later that not everything is as you first believe. (don't judge a book by a cover)

Alice's aunt can't seem to get away and I must admit the kids found her very familiar with one of their own relatives and grinned when she gave Ben a look of disapproval. They've seen this look on their own relative a few times.

Alice Upside Down hits shelves on July 29th, it's the perfect back to school movie for your kids. It doesn't matter if they are going back to the same school or a new one. I'm sure there is something they can all relate to in the movie. By the way if you have book lovers this movie follows the book series.

Labels: alice upside down, alyson stoner, lucas gabeel, luke perry

Hey, I didn't say it, but my 8-year-old daughter, BalletGirl, told me today, "Wow, mom look. Barbie has big boobs." Ummm, okay and exactly why did she point it out you ask. Simple, she's began noticing things like hair under her arms and such. She thinks that because barbie has some big boobs it woudl be nice when she gets them. Course I am screaming in my head for her to stay small and never grow up. Anyone else have a daughter that said something like this?

Labels: barbie, Barbie doll, barbie has boobs

Celebutopia wants you to put your money where your mouth is. How's that? Simple you comment on their blog posts and the best one will win $10 for iTunes. I know ya'll like that. Hurry.

Film Gecko is having her giveaways of course and today you can win Stop-Loss as well as her many others, ie College Road Trip and many Preschool DVDs.

Savvy Housewife is giving away some really cute Paradise Toys, actually it is the beautiful toy horse. You know your little girl needs one.

Skimbaco is giving away a HUGE amount of wooden toys, this would be great for upcoming holidays or those that want to keep the lead out of their children's mouths.

Camy Tang always has a book or two to give away and this week she has Painted Dresses by Patricia Hickman and Love as a Way of Life by Gary Chapman.

Mary Emma Allen at Quilting and Patchwork is getting ready for the big Bloggy Giveaway so make sure to stop by.

Crunchy Domestic Goddess is getting into the spirit of the summer is having an eco-friendly party at her site.

Over at WombWithin they are giving away a Baby Emergency Handbook.

Labels: celebutopia, celebutopia contest, eco friendly, july giveaways, wooden toys

I have a small confession to make and since many of you that read my blog are probably moms yourself I don't feel too embarrassed to tell you this. But after giving birth I found out I had an issue. Course this wasn't one I would normally tell others but since MomCentral asked me to talk about this I figured I'd even admit it.

Ready for the confession? ..... I leak and no I'm not meaning from my breasts. At first I figured this was just something that happened and it would go away like everything else after giving birth. I never did tell my doctor either as I figured it was just something we all did. I hated getting stitches in that area as it was so there was no way I'd tell them I leak even when I don't pee. I was afraid of being made into that circus tent again. (while pregnant the guys, as in doctors, at Ft.Irwin showed everyone my pregnant belly and all, apparently it was something new. You know spread your legs so all the docs can view inside.) I did eventually go to the doctor but only after a year and a half of that. By then I had IBS as well as the leaky issue and ended up with a mean doctor that basically let me know it was normal and to live with it.

Any of you deal with this? Now I don't soak my underwear I just simply leak from time to time and it can be really embarrassing. Most times I use a very thin pad, which hides the fact. But I must admit it is very embarrassing, but knowing others go through it makes me be able to grin and bare it.

I read a story about a lady named Linda and felt a bit of relief, apparently there is something called, "Below the Belt" going on and it is all about awareness of your pelvic area and issues. I mean even though we are moms and ask 100 questions in regards to our children we never ask for ourselves. There is supposed to be therapy for it, but so far I haven't been able to find it. But listening to Linda's story through Poise told me there was. Linda even shares her secret to stopping the leaking.

Labels: leaking, poise

The Life of a Home Mom actually has a contest this week, it lasts for one week and someone is getting a $20 GC for Fandango. The online movie place.

The Film Gecko is giving away two different DVDs this week: Kid DVD
College Road Trip

Medium Dreams is giving away a beautiful set of Tarot Cards.

Las Vegas Adventures is giving away the movie 21

There are well over 100 contests going on at The Celebrity Cafe but there is no way I can list them all. hehe.

Shai is having a comment contest, hurry and enter.

Yes, I know it is small but I've got four kids that want mommy's attention today. Link in the comments if you have a giveaway.

Labels: giveaway

Do you like the movies? I know you all know how much I just LOVE to watch movies, heck when is it I don't rent a bunch from my DVD Play. When was the last time you went to the movies or even rented a movie?

Have you seen Journey to the Center of the Earth Yet? Now would be a good time and with the help of "Journey to the Center of the Earth" one winner will get $20 Fandango bucks. Now isn't that something to talk about? First, you see the pic below? If you click on it you can visit the website and take a journey of your own that your kids will enjoy, trust me, mine play it every day now. hehe. The game is called, Race to the Center of the Earth.


Rules: You must tell me what movie you enjoyed the most that had Brendan Fraser in it or Josh Hutcherson. One extra entry if you have seen the movie, Journey to the Center of the Earth and let us know what you thought of it. This will ensure you an entry in the contest and we will do a drawing. A winner will be announced on July 29th. (hubby's birthday.) Make sure you leave an email for me.

Labels: brendan fraser, contest, fandango bucks, giveaways, josh hutcherson, journey to the center of the earth, YouTube

Will you be entering the "So You Think You Can Dance Contest" that is sponsored by Snuggles? It's easy, all you need to do is a 30 second video of you dancing. Upload it on Youtube and send it to Snuggles.

I doubt I'll be doing this but thought some of you might like to try. Let me know if you win or get selected.



Enter the Snuggle Happy Dance Contest and find out if you win.
The opinions expressed on this site are those of the author(s) and are not endorsed by FOX, 19, Dick Clark Productions, or Snuggle.

Okay my dear readers I'm coming to you for help. Last month my electric bill shot through the roof, for me it was HUGE at around $200. I was shocked, but apparently the summer heat really caused us to use a lot more electricity than normal. This got me thinking, how much energy/electric we use. I called up the company and started asking questions. Want some tips?

Tips to Cutting down that Bill:
- Keep the AC on around 79 (don't turn it off and on, that runs it higher)
- unplug everything, if you aren't using it you are still using electricity (I had no clue)
- Leaving ceiling fans on is actually a good thing.
- Use the washer and dryer during peak hours (6-8a.m. and 6-8p.m.)
- Use your dishwasher less (I'm guilty of using mine)
- Using the lights? If you are during the day think about opening your curtains to let natural light in.

Got any other tips? I'd love to hear them.

Labels: bills, electric, energy

Yes, I know that title makes no sense but it will in just a moment. Ya'll know I simply love my Redbox machine across the street. Well I missed dropping by on Tuesday and swung by there last night and once again today. So tonight, since it is still the summer the kids and I rented the following:

- Lenny the Wonder Dog (yes it is a cute)
- The hubby rented something Brothers (looked war-like or Japanese)
- Meet Bill (had me laughing the whole time but NOT a kid moving)
- The Bank Job (haven't seen it yet)

We also began the day with pancakes at McDonald's. Pancakes are normally a weekend thing, not something I feel like cooking up first thing in the morning at 5 a.m. Can ya really blame me? Oh well, I'm not Martha Stewart or Betty Crocker. However, I did bake cookies for two days straight (well nights).

BalletGirl (age 8 now) asked me to cut her hair, course she moved and it ended up being shorter than expected. I'll take a picture later today or tomorrow and post for all to see. Hey the short hair is "In" with celebrities right now, at least that's what I told her.

BabyGirl has had no complaints about her wrist hurting and so far it doesn't stink. But she has learned to begin to cry or talk baby in order to get the older two (and daddy shh) to do as she likes. Daddy just discovered it and is now trying to say no way. hehe. I am counting down the days until she goes back, hopefully it'll be healed. I am actually nervous about this as I've heard so many stories of people not healing.

SoccerBoy has been hanging out outside or reading books. But he's also been roping me into playing "War of the Monsters" on the machine. It's the only game I can play. Shhh.

Little A, well he's still doing the potty training but he's cutting three more teeth. Eeek.

Hope ya'll are having a great night, it's back to movies with mine and I hear that popcorn. YUMMY!

Labels: DVD, dvd rentals, movies

We are already gearing up for school, the countdown has begun. (no not this one)

To view more Wordless Wednesday posts don't forget to visit the hut and 5Minutes for mom.

Labels: wordless wednesday

Here is a small list of giveaways I found today and I'll also be posting one here later. Gear up I hear movies are in the works. :) If you have a giveaway list it below and don't forget email me at homemom3@gmail.com and I'd gladly host one for you.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My other blog, Babylune currently has a Huggies giveaway going on. Who doesn't like Pull-ups?

Uncover The Internet is giving away a free T-shirt from Choiceshirts and Wear what you think.

Womb Within is giving away a
Playskool Rattle and the article will teach you to know if a toy is too small for your baby.

Win a copy of Jaydee Bixbys Album from Idol Stalker and don't forget to read all about those Idols.

My good friend, Jane, over at Film Gecko has three giveaways currently going on so hurry and enter to win one of the following: (separately of course)
Fool's Gold
Step Up 2
College Road Trip

Shai is having a
Contest Blog Raffle at her blog Shai Coggins. Hurry over to enter.

Movie Room Reviews is giving away The Love Boat Season 1

Entertainment Now is giving away ER & Popeye The Sailor.

Celebrity Hot Dump is giving away 3 Preschool DVDs, they are: Handy Manny, Little Einsteins & Wonder Pets

5 Minutes for Mom is always having giveaways and now they are giving away the following:

HP PhotoSmart
Washington's Lady
Busy Body Book

Labels: book giveaways, july giveaways, toy giveaways

especially when they come across you face. Imagine my surprise or horror if you will as I woke up on Sunday morning with a cast hitting me upside the head. Sometime during the night BabyGirl decided to sneak into my room and lay in bed with me. I quickly grabbed the armed bandit and moved her cast back to her side of bed. Not trusting my safety I decided it was time to get up, who cared if it was only 5 a.m. Ikkk. How was your weekend?

Labels: casts

You all know I love contests and sharing them with you so when Laura Reeve emailed me to let me know about the Stand Up to Cancer Sweepstakes I immediately thought of blogging about it. I mean many people have known someone with cancer at least one point in their life, so you are helping a cause and the prize is really nice too.

The prize? One winner will get to spend time with their favorite celebrity. Ooh this sounds like it could be a fun night doesn't it? You would get to join them at the celebrity phone bank, well you and one other. The event will take place at the Kodak Theater on Sept 5.

Hurry and enter the Stand Up to Cancer Sweepstakes to learn more about this head on over to Stand Up to Cancer. Don't forget to sign up oh and let me know if you win.

Labels: laura reeve, stand up to cancer, stand up to cancer sweepstakes

Remember those boxes I told you about a while back? Well, now I can tell you what was in them....LOCKS. It seems there was an error and they sent me 20 boxes of them, but not to worry they quickly came back for them and picked up the tab. So far I'm loving this company but the truth is their locks are great. The company is Schlage, a professional security where they make GREAT locks. I'm not meaning your typical every day lock that you get for your bike, garage or luggage. These locks are for the security of your home and they are very heavy duty, not like locks we've had on our doors before. To be honest, I feel safer with this type of lock on my door for at least two reasons that I can think of.

Reason 1: This is not a lock that just anyone is going to be able to get in. You have to have a key and a security number to get inside. In a lot of ways this reminds me of a lock that would be on a fenced in community.

Reason 2: I have always hated living in a house that someone else once had the key too. I'm not sure about you but I know in the past we've made copies of the keys. What would stop someone else from doing that?

Our first week of living in this house we had someone try to get in. I was scared out of my mind after that, the guy pounded and tried the door. Thankfully he didn't have a key or maybe they changed the locks. But from the way this house looks they never changed the locks. I was more than happy to see if my new lock would fit on the door. I'm sure I'll be told at a later date to have it removed or give a copy of the key to my landlord but in the meantime I'll feel much safer and my house looks a bit newer.

Back to the review though, installing it was easy, except for removing the old one. Ugh that sucker was not budging so my guess in it being old was most likely correct and it was bent at that. Once I had the old lock out though putting the new one in was a snap. It comes with easy to read instructions and pictures (for those of you that know me I'm a picture gal) This is just the deadbolt there are others with handles and fancy knobs but I wasn't sure with out door what would work, this works great. I am even able to program it with a bunch of different codes. For instance, my husband's mother is coming to visit, if I didn't want to wait on her to arrive I could simply give her a password of her own that she could use, instead of our own special one. Once she leaves I just erase it or keep it for her the next time she visits. I never have to worry about someone remembering it though as once it is erased it is gone forever. You can program up to 19 different codes in this. I imagine an apartment building with a security gate would just love these locks.

Labels: locks, schlage locks, security

I feel so touched and honored to be among the list of many famous female bloggers. I was named #70 out of 100 other bloggers as one of the top. It isn't often that "The Life of a Home Mom" is nominated for anything, let alone place in something, so I was very happy to get the email stating I had a ranking on their list.

The Top 10 were:
1 Michelle Malkin
2 Dooce
3 Cute Overload
4 Xiaxue
5 Feministing
6 Life In The Fast Lane
7 Atlas Shrugs
8 Peety Passion
9 Althouse
10 Randa Clay Design

View the Top 100 Female Bloggers list over at Enkay's blog and let me know if you ranked on it.

Labels: blogger, female, female bloggers, top 100 female

I have one of those types of houses that are connected by a thin wall to my other neighbors house, heck we even share a walk way. Normally they are pretty good, we had one time earlier this year where they blasted their music and I eventually, after a long day with a migrane went over and very politely asked her to turn it down just a tad. She did, course later she'd come by and do the same with my dryer.

It's been a few months and things have become odd between them and us, in fact we suspect they are the ones that called in to report our trash was missed one week for pick up. Yeah, that trivial but still. I have tried to be friends with this family. I say hello when I see her come home or leave if I'm outside, hey I know how it is not to know anyone nearby. I signed for a package for her once and waited until I heard her arrive. I could've let the guy leave but was nice, I've even dropped off coupons for free stuff I thought her kids would enjoy and explained I get things in the mail all the time for stuff like this. Nothing ever came of this, no hello or goodbye. I guess some just don't want the kindness of others, not sure, this is a new world for me and I'm trying to figure it out.

Yes, that got kind of off subject, but I'm here today because I'm irritated. It is ONLY 8 a.m. and they have their freaking music BLARING and it is THUMP, THUMP, THUMP. I still have in infant asleep and they actually started around 7:30. There are no laws that don't say they can't have it up so loud but there should be right? Oh this is annoying and I'm just waiting for my wee one to wake to it. I hate the thumping, it causes headaches. My kids never have their stuff up loud, in fact if it does it goes off. I suspect their mom may not be home, or she's doing her cleaning. That's what she said the one time I went over is she does her cleaning with it turned completely up. I fear the baby in the house must be going deaf by now. :(

Okay most folks would retaliate. Should I blast some nursery rhymes or Barney through the vents late tonight? hahahaha

Labels: annoying neighbors, Barney, blasting music, nursery rhymes

The Cast

Labels: cast, wordless wednesday

It's official, she is now the first child in my family to have broken a bone. The doctor says she broke her wrist in two different locations, if I'm not mistaken but I could be as I wasn't there it is called a buckle fracture. Hubby says he just remembers it started with a b.

She was a brave little girl and sat still for the x-rays and them putting on the cast. Even while being interrogated by the doctor. Hubby was getting mighty upset that the doctor (obviously has never had kids) kept getting upset that she wouldn't tell him if it hurt and what number her pain was. Umm, keep in mind she turns 5 next month. How does she know if her pain is a 1 or a 5, pain is pain right? She's only learning to count to 10 had no clue that 10 would be a bad hurt. So she ended up getting frustrated and almost cried, doctor was very upset she wouldn't tell him how bad it hurt and not just, "That hurts."

Anyways, after the cast was on she picked out two gifts...one for older brother and one for older sister. Isn't that sweet? Daddy took her immediately out to McDonald's before coming home and got her a hot fudge sunday. YUMMY! Pics to come tomorrow for Wordless Wednesday.

Labels: babygirl gets a cast, broke wrist, cast

First, I'm not a total recycling person, even though I wish I was. There's not excuse for me not being one either, except I just haven't focused on doing it. However when Momcentral asked if I'd like to try out the "Preserve" Toothbrush I was intrigued.

The tooth brush kind of made me wonder. I mean how to you make a toothbrush from recycled material? I thought this thing would dissolve in my hand, one reason I waited on posting. By the way it did NOT dissolve like I thought it would.

The tooth brush comes in its own carrying case so you don't even have to toss the packaging, which I loved. I always hate finding a traveling case whenever I go on vacation, not to mention Little A can't grab it. The toothbrush as I mentioned is actually called a Recycline Preserve Tooth Brush which is made out of Stonyfield Farm® yogurt cups. After three months you can replace it and they'll even send you a postage-paid envelope to mail the old one back. So as you can see you never toss it in the trash, instead you recycle it and keep the cycle going.

The bristles are soft, they can come in soft, medium, ultrasoft which is perfect for the little kids. My favorite part is the curved handle which makes reaching back to get those back teeth even easier.

Labels: momcentral, recycle, recycline, tooth brush

Wouldn't you know it, I rarely ever let the kids play out front without me. The one time I do they decide to race one another on the sidewalk, only BabyGirl falls down. I hear the screaming and crying and call her in. She says she's fine but fell on her bottom. I look and see there is a red mark on her wrist with a scrape and immediately think we should take her in but then figure this is just from a scrape and ask her again if she is fine. She says yes her butt hurts.

Late yesterday (this happened Saturday afternoon) she came to me and said her wrist was hurting. I suspected but wasn't sure as I would push on it and she kept saying it didn't hurt. Now I knew that it looked swollen and we should take her in, made the appointment for today.

The doc says she believes it is broke, if not in one spot then two. Yep, hubby just dropped me back off at the house with the other three and he's on his way to the county hospital to have her xrayed and then possibly a cast. Keep her in your thoughts. I feel so awful knowing she was in pain but wasn't saying anything even though we constantly asked.

Labels: broke wrist, broken, fractured

It seems to be a growing trend in America lately, lets see how many families will get booted from an airline this month. Last month we heard about Janice Farrel and her son who is autistic son. Granted everyone believes he should be treated like any normal child, however they also think she should get money for getting kicked off the airline. So, does your child with a handicap mean you should be treated differently, ignored when doing wrong and get money from an airline after they've had enough? Or should we treat them like everyone else?

I think many have discovered that if you want to get rich quick you need to board an airline with a sick child, or one with a handicap and get them to act up. This will get you booted off and of course then you can get the nation's attention and sue. Maybe a few of these cases deserved getting kicked off, while others of course deserved suing the companies. But how many are doing this simply for the money. View the clip below and let me know, but only after you read the following stories:

Unruly Bunch gets Booted from Plane and wants MONEY for it.

This newest objection is an unruly bunch, you can even see it in the video. This mother of four has one child that is autistic and one with cerebal palsy. She admits her children were running up and down the aisle of the plane but can't understand why they got kicked off. Hmm, I wonder. NOT! She also had her 5 month old pregnant sister. Should they have been ignored and just let the kids run wild? They claim they have no heart (the airline) because they booted them and left them at the airline with no money or food. BUT she believes even with the unruly bunch they should've bent over backwards for them. HA! No thank you, I would've definitely complained about this bunch. If she gets money for this like she wants, "I feel they should compensate us for this and make a public apology." Yeah, umm I think you should to the entire flight. I bet everyone applauded when this bunch left the plane.


- In the past we saw a mother kicked off a plane because her 2-year-old was chatty and she refused to give the child a dosing of medicine to make him/her sleep. Understandable, she had every right in the world to complain. As for suing, I don't think so, but maybe that stewardess learned something after that.

- Breastfeeding has been a huge issue on airlines. Why? Isn't this something that is natural? It was only last year we heard about a mother breastfeeding her 22 month old and being told it was inappropriate and she needed to be covered, then got kicked off the plane. Keep in mind this mother was next to the window, her husband was on the aisle so no one would've seen. They were booted off. Someone needed to learn a lesson here and it wasn't the family. Last I recall they don't offer breast-milk on the airlines as a drink. Or do they now?

-

Labels: autistic boy kicked off plane, breastfeedin gmom kicked off plane, family kicked off plane, kicked off plane

Now I always thought I was delivering pizzas with my 30 minutes or less births, but this woman definitely has me beat. She was in the shower, her water broke and one push later her baby born.

Labels: birth in a minute, woman gives birth, woman gives birth at home

The hubby has taken the four kids for a walk and left me in the van to do my work with a bit of peace. I can't help but hear the conversations around me though and watch the people as they walk by the vehicle, here's a glimpse of the action around me:

- a mother grabs her newborn baby and walks around with her baby. He's a bit moody but probably from the sun.

- another family walks by with balloon figures and painted faces.
- a family is making cracks about the gas prices going up and how they can picture someone being murdered for them. "....picture a wife telling her husband directions but instead of listening he coasts around only to find out she was right but they are about a mile to it. She stabs him out of frustration and blames it on the rising gas prices cause he didn't want to listen and they ran out sooner."

- kids with ice cream, salted pretzels

- families camping out with their back door open on their vans as they hang out on the tailgate

- a teen couple walks by looking in love

The family is coming back, I'll write more later I'm sure.

This will be our first 4th of July without the military, this should be interesting. It'll also be the first time going to a fireworks display that isn't military sponsored. Last night the kids and I watched the neighbors set off fireworks, I must admit to being amazed that so many parents allowed their little kids to handle them when they explode and such. Mine were allowed to touch the sparklers but only if they stayed near me.

We are headed out now to see the town celebration over at Legacy Park. Can't wait to see what it is like. I did look it up online and will have to do a bit of exploring while I'm down there. I'll write up more about it later. Gotta go get my Starbucks before we head down. LATER!

Labels: fireworks, Happy 4th of July, lees summit, legacy park

Have you ever tried to find something that was misspelled and got a ton of searches? Typo Buddy is offering a weekly contest where you can win $25 GC to ebay.

We’ll pick our favorites and put the up in a poll for you our loyal readers to vote for the winner

The funniest misspelling from Craigslist or eBay will win a $25 in eBay gift certificate, and second place will win a $10 eBay gift certificate. Additionally we will randomly select someone linking to funny misspelling contest for a $25 eBay gift certificate as well. We want as many people we can for participating, so we want to reward you for spreading the word.

Let me know if you win!

Labels: contest, contest alert, typobuddy

Have ya'll heard about the teens that did the whole pregnancy pact? If not there are a group of teens in Gloucester High School that decided they would all get pregnant together and raise their babies with one another and have a huge support system. The only problem with this, you mean besides the fact that many are under 15-years-old and they PLANNED to get pregnant.

A few things they probably didn't think about:

- who will support them. Will it be the state, parents, boyfriend?

- Did the guys know about "their" plan to get pregnant? If not should they get in trouble or support these soon-to-be-moms?

- Where will they live?

- How will they support themselves? Do they have a job? Will babysitting pay enough?

A principal apparently slipped up and told someone at TIME who spread the news like wildfire and within hours word spread online. I blogged about it a bunch over at Babylune, once telling the story about the pregnancy pact, then an update and more. Later the Mayor decided she would have a meeting to do damage control as their tiny, "Fishing town" weren't prepared for all the drama and press. Course I think they would've liked it since they were getting tourism.

Since the Mayor has stated it was blown out of control, these were girls that got pregnant. They didn't "plan" to get pregnant, etc. Sorry, I don't believe it. Now of course the Mayor is looking at punishing the school staff since they possibly broke "privacy" when the nurse said there were a certain number of pregnant girls. I'm sorry, this nurse saw an issue, the school/town refused to help. They even asked if they could pass out condoms but the school said no. Ummm, at least someone is trying to get these GIRLS to wake up to reality. So what if 100M people slam them and say how stupid they are for doing this. Someone obviously needs to do it. Instead, the girls are being praised for being smart and coming up with a plan...yeah a pregnancy pact to get pregnant and raise their kids together. The ones that will be pregnant are those that tried looking out for the girls, hey at least someone tried to care.

Sorry as you can see this story has me steamed. A principal showed the world there was a problem, a nurse said yes there is an epidemic and now Mayor Carolyn Kirk says there will be punishment for those that spoke out against her town, those that tried to help some silly girls that thought they could play house. What's your opinion of the whole thing?

Labels: Gloucester, Gloucester High School, maine, pregnancy pact, pregnant, pregnant teens

This is just one of those videos I think every mom needs to listen to, while it is geared towards diapers I think it really says what a mom does in one day.



Now after this first video Anita got a bunch of emails about men wanting her to sing a song about them, so here is "Dadsense."

Very true, all I hear is "Ask Your Mom." hehe

Labels: Anita Renfroe, Dadsense, Momsense

He think he's washing her hair, he's seen me do it enough times. Aren't they cute at this age? Happy WW.

Labels: wordless wednesday

MentalMagma.com has just launched and is hosting Contest #1: Mischievous Time Traveler where you can win a $25 gift certificate to Amazon.com. Deadline is July 4th so HURRY.

Styleitless is celebrating their one year birthday and giving you $200 gift certificate courtesy of Twisted Silver

Because Dammit I Must Blog is having an online baby shower for a friend and the "guests" can play shower games to win a $25 Visa Gift Card or I-Tunes Card (requires a post) or $15 I Tunes Card (guessing baby's gender, dob and weight).

Essential Keystrokes is celebrating her 2 year anniversary and giving away 13 prizes, from a year subscription to 37 Signals Highrise to the Problogger: secrets to blogging your way to a six-figure income. (great book)

5minutes for Mom is giving away a bag of scholastic books.

1 winner will get the Stuck on U Romper from Dates to Diapers, and Beyond! But deadline is July 10th, so hurry.

Womb Within is giving away 3 books that deal with pregnancy just leave a comment telling her which one you like. She's also got a giveaway going on at Help My Hurt the prize is he Art of Body Maintenance: Winner’s Guide to Pain Relief

Hope you enjoy.

Labels: july giveaways