A Two Bunk Bed Family

We live in a small house, partly out of necessity and partly because we believe that Smaller is Better. We have four children. One effect of having a smaller than average home, and a larger than average family is the children share rooms. Though it is not always exactly peaceful, I like them sharing rooms. They are learning to work out problems, get along, and lately I've started to see the older ones help the little ones with tasks like getting dressed.

We've had a set of bunk beds for several years. Since we've lived here, we've had the bunk beds split so each of the older children had a twin bed. The younger ones were in a toddler bed and a crib. It has worked well, but a few months ago we noticed that Nolan was outgrowing that toddler bed. Since neither of the rooms are big enough for two twin beds, we knew we would soon need to put together the bunks, and buy another set.

Anticipating the need, I started keeping an eye out for a good deal. I figured we would use part of our tax return for the beds. The tax return isn't here yet, and I hadn't found any "can't pass on" deals, so we were still waiting. Then a co-worker mentioned to Tim that his daughter had a set of bunk beds she wanted to get rid of; free! He didn't know that we needed them, but does know we have four kids. Would we be interested? Well, yes sir, we sure would!

She gave us a white metal set. Wouldn't you know all the other furniture in the girls' room is white? The set has a full bed on bottom and a twin on top. It was just the frame, so we do need to do some mattress shopping, but I am not sure I'd want used kids' mattresses anyway.

The set we had before is set up in the boys' room. Putting the bunk beds in the boys' room created so much space for them! They love the bunk beds, though we have had to createa schedule since both want to sleep on top. Nolan thinks they are a toy as much as a bed. They have become his pirate ship!

The white set in the girls' room. The girls' room is a bit crowded now, but once Vivian is out of the crib, they will also have a lot more space. We still need to get the mattress' for them, but I know they will be enjoyed as much as the boys' set. We will probably have a girls' pirate ship! We are now a two bunk bed family!

I am so glad that we didn't just run out and buy something as soon as we realized we were going to need another set of beds. I can't tell you how many times we have wanted or needed something, and by waiting have found the items free or at dirt cheap prices. Within a week or two I should have another example of patience yielding us a great deal. That story is about a much larger item; a vehicle. Stay tuned for more!