Stop the Abuse - Sexual Trafficking Must End

Today is Bloggers Unite Day and we're uniting against all kinds of abuse. This just gives me another reason to write about a subject that I have profiled on this blog before. Just today in our city, Jacksonville, Florida, the police arrested a ring of sexual traffickers who had been "importing" women from south and central America to use as sexual slaves for migrant and/or illegal workers in Florida.

This happens everywhere! It's not just happening to foreign women and children brought into this country to abuse. Women and children are being kidnapped and sold right here in the United States in order to fill the depraved needs of sexual deviants. One organization that really makes a difference here and abroad to help people get out of this prison and to prevent it from happening to others is the Ricky Martin Foundation - People for Children. Ricky has been working tirelessly for years to help get the word out among the various governments and leaders in countries around the world to help pass laws and inact punishments to stop the spread of this violence and abuse towards women and children everywhere. I encourage you to support this organization and others who are trying to make a difference today and every day!

Another Recall - Kolcraft Play Yard Strangulation Hazard

From the Consumer Product Safety Commission - this is one for you with small children and babies to look out for!

Kolcraft Recalls Play Yards AFter the Death of a 10-Month-Old Child

Firm's Recall Hotline: (888) 655-8484
CPSC Hotline: (800) 638-2772

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product SafetyCommission (CPSC), Kolcraft Enterprises Inc., of Chicago, Ill., is voluntarily recalling about 425,000 infant play yards following the death of a child.CPSC received a report of a 10-month old boy who strangled on the changing table's restraint strap that was hanging down into Kolcraft's"Sesame Beginnings" Travel Play Yard where the child was located. Twelve different Kolcraft play yards are included in this recall. All of the play yards have raised changing tables with a restraint strap that forms a loop beneath the changing table, posing a strangulation hazard to a child in the play yard. In addition to the strangulation hazard with the changing table restraint strap, one play yard also has a raised cradle that rocks back and forth. A child can roll and get trapped against the side of the cradle in the Contours 3-in-1 Play Yard. If that happens, a child can suffocate. Kolcraft has received 45 reports of children rolling to the side of the rocking cradle attachment.

The recalled play yards were sold in a variety of colors and patterns.Play yards and model numbers included in this recall are listed in a chart on CPSC's web site http://www.cpsc.gov/. The model number is printed on a white sticker located on one of the feet of the play yard. They were manufactured in China.The play yards were sold at retail stores nationwide from January 2001through September 2007 for between $50 and $130.

Consumers should immediately stop using the changing tables and rocking cradle and contact the firm for instructions on receiving a free non-looped replacement strap for the changing table and a free repair kit to secure the base of the cradle. Consumers should immediately cutoff and remove the existing changing table restraint strap. Consumers should always remove the raised changing table and cradle or bassinet before placing a child in a play yard. A free repair kit for the rocking cradle will be sent to consumers separate from the replacement strap.

For additional information, call Kolcraft at (888) 655-8484 anytime, or visit the firm's Web site at http://www.kolcraft.com/ To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including a chart of recalled models and pictures of the recalled products, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07315.html

More Toy Recalls Due to Lead Paint

A big ole' pile of toy recalls came out today via the Consumer Product Safety Commission for lead paint hazard. You can go to their website for more details, but here's the lowdown:

Expanded Recall of Toby Children's Jewelry Sets:

Name of Product: TOBY & ME Jewelry Sets
Units: About 23,500 (about 14,000 jewelry sets were recalled on August 22, 2007)
Importer: TOBY N.Y.C., of New York, N.Y.
Hazard: The recalled metal jewelry sets contain high levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description: This recall involves jewelry sets sold in different styles: a pink and clear crystal bead necklace and bracelet set with a painted metallic crown pendant; a pink and white pearl necklace and bracelet set with a painted metallic poodle pendant; and a pink pearl necklace, earrings and ring set. This recall is expanded to include two additional styles: a pink crystal and wood bead necklace and bracelet set with a monkey pendant; and a pink and clear crystal bead necklace and bracelet set with a heart pendant. All sets are sold in a pink gift box with “TOBY & ME” printed on the front and “TOBY & ME” hangtags attached to the packaging. Sold at: T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, A.J. Wright, Cracker Barrel, and Shopko stores nationwide from August 2006 through August 2007 for between $8 and $15.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled jewelry away from children and contact TOBY N.Y.C. for information on receiving a full refund or replacement item.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact TOBY N.Y.C. toll-free at (866) 235-0588 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or email the firm at info@tobynyc.com

Children’s Spinning Wheel-Metal Necklaces Recalled By Rhode Island Novelty Due to Risk of Lead Exposure

Name of Product: Children’s Spinning Wheel-Metal Necklaces
Units: About 850
Manufacturer: Rhode Island Novelty, of Cumberland, R.I.
Hazard: The clasp on the necklaces contain high levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description: This recall involves 30”-inch-long link necklaces with a spinning wheel pendant. The wheel pendant, designed to resemble car’s spinning tire rim, has rhinestones attached to the front, a silver base and measures 2 ¾-inches in diameter. The item has a clear plastic hang tag with a UPC code of 0 97138 68502 5.
Sold at: Family entertainment centers, redemption centers, and small discount stores nationwide and at www.rinovelty.com from November 2006 through May 2007 for about $2.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled jewelry away from children and return it to the store where purchased or to Rhode Island Novelty for a free replacement jewelry item.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Rhode Island Novelty at (800) 528-5599 between 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at http://rinovelty.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/utilities.help/item/recall_notices

Guidecraft Inc. Recalls Children’s Puppet Theaters Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard
Name of Product: Floor Puppet Theaters
Units: About 10,000
Manufacturer: Guidecraft Inc., of Englewood, N.J.
Hazard: Surface paints on the puppet theater’s wooden panels contain excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description: The recalled puppet theater has a chalkboard surface on the front and colored side panels. The puppet theater measures about 35 inches in length, 14 inches in width and about 52 inches in height. Sold at: Specialty toy stores, gift shops, catalogs and Web sites nationwide from June 2006 through August 2007 for about $90.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled puppet theaters away from children and contact Guidecraft to receive a replacement theater or another product of equal value.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Guidecraft toll-free at (888) 824-1308 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.guidecraft.com

Children’s Toy Rakes Sold Exclusively at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores Recalled Due to Violation of Lead in Paint Standard
Name of Product: Children’s Toy Rake
Units: About 16,000
Importer: Jo-Ann Stores Inc., of Hudson, Ohio
Hazard: Surface paint on the handle of the rake can contain excessive levels of lead paint, violating the federal lead paint standard.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description: The recalled children’s rake has a green handle with a yellow duck head attached to the handle. The rake has seven purple tines, also known as teeth. The rake is about 24 inches long. “Robbie Ducky™ Garden Collection Rake” is printed on a tag attached to the handle.
Sold exclusively at: Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores nationwide from January 2007 through September 2007 for about $7.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled toy rake away from children and return it to any Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store for a full refund.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Jo-Ann Stores Inc. toll-free at (888) 739-4120, option 7, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email the firm at guest.services@jo-annstores.com, or visit the firm’s Web site at http://www.joann.com/

RC2 Recalls Knights of the Sword Toys Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard
Name of Product: Britain’s “Knights of the Sword” Series Toys
Units: About 800
Importer/Distributor: RC2 Corp., of Oak Brook, Ill.
Hazard: Surface paints on the toy knights contain excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description: The three recalled silver knight toys are mounted on red horses sold individually in see-through blister cards. “Britains” and “Knights of the Sword” are printed on the top of the card in the packaging. The recalled toys include a mounted silver knight on a red horse with an axe; a mounted silver knight on a red horse with two hands on a raised weapon; and a mounted silver knight on a red horse with a lance.
Sold at: Specialty toy stores nationwide from April 2004 through March 2006 for about $8.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should take these recalled toys away from young children immediately and contact RC2 to receive a full refund.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact RC2 toll-free at (866) 725-4407 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at http://recalls.rc2.com/

Target Recalls Children’s Toy Gardening Tools and Chairs Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

Name of Product: Happy Giddy Gardening Tools and Children’s Sunny Patch Chairs
Units: About 350,000
Importer: Target, of Minneapolis, Minn.
Manufacturer: Starite International Ltd., of Taiwan
Hazard: The surface paint on the recalled gardening tools and chairs contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description: The recall includes the Happy Giddy Gardening Tools and the Sunny Patch Children’s Chairs.
Gardening tools: caterpillar trowel with an orange and multi-colored handle; kitty cat broom with pink flowers and green handle; pink and green cultivator with a solid green tool portion and pink flowers on the handle; orange and green wood handle hoe and rake with orange flowers; pink and green shovel and trowel with pink flowers; green, orange and light blue snail push broom; multi-colored trowel, hoe, rake with orange on the tool body; multi-colored shovel with solid red on the shovel and eyes on the top of the handle; red and blue owl shaped broom with bristles painted blue, with yellow and black large eyes on the face.Children’s Chairs: multi-colored children’s Sunny Patch chairs with a giraffe, monkey, and elephant on the back. The cloth seat and back are striped in orange, yellow, green and blue. The chameleon, butterfly and lady bug chair are not included in the recall.
Sold at: Target stores nationwide from August 2006 through August 2007 for between $3 and $10.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the products away from children and return the item to the nearest Target store for a full refund.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Target at (800) 440-0680 between 7 a.m. and 6 pm. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at http://www.target.com/

RC2 Corp. Recalls Additional Thomas & Friends™ Wooden Railway Toys Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

Name of Product: Various Thomas and Friends™ Wooden Railway Toys
Units: About 200,000 (1.5 million other Thomas & Friends railway toys were recalled on June 13, 2007)
Importer/Distributor: RC2 Corp., of Oak Brook, Ill.
Hazard: Surface paints on the toys can contain excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description: The recall involves five toys from the Thomas and Friends Wooden Railway product line: the all-black cargo car, toad vehicle, olive green sodor cargo box and all-green maple tree top and signal base accessories. The front of the packaging has the logo “Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway” in the upper left-hand corner. A tracking code may be located on the bottom of some of the products. Toys marked with codes containing “WJ” and “AZ” are not included in the recall.
Recalled Product Name & Tracking Codes
All-Black Cargo Car – Included only in the Brendam Fishing Dock Set. The car is labeled “CARGO CAR” and has either no tracking code or one of the following codes on its undersides:
26833i, 28233i, 23243i00, 24643i00, 25343i00, 27443i00, 32043i00, 34743i00, 01553i00,
04553i00, 13353i00, 14753i00, 15453i00, 18353i00
Cargo cars sold in other sets are not included.
Toad vehicle with brake lever – The vehicle is labeled “TOAD” and has the tracking code 16560W000 on its underside.
Olive Green Sodor Cargo Box – The side of the cargo box says “SODOR”, the box was included only in the DeluxeCranky the Crane Set.
All-Green Maple Tree Top and Green Signal Base Accessories – Included only in Conductor’s Figure 8 Sets.
Sold at: Toy stores and various retailers nationwide from March 2003 through September 2007 for between $10 and $40.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should take the recalled toys away from young children immediately and contact RC2 Corp. for a replacement toy.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact RC2 toll-free at (866) 725-4407 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at http://recalls.rc2.com/

Please check your kids' toy boxes for all of these and remember to buy responsibly this holiday season - maybe cut down on the painted toys from China?

Learn About Finance and Stocks in a Free and Fun Way

If you enjoy social networking mixed with cutting edge learning about stocks and investing, you'll enjoy using MyWallSt.net. You'll make new friends and enjoy the benefits of having them available to help you make financial decisions, especially stock picks. You can socialize while you increase your knowledge to build your own net worth, plus it's free! You'll trade real stocks with virtual money to learn about stock-picking quickly.

This is the cutting edge way to stay on top of the financial markets, with real time information and discussions. If you are new to investing and stocks, you can improve your learning curve quickly by using the investing tools to try out your stock picking without the risks of using real money. As a mom or a parent, what a great way to build your knowledge in an easy and fun way! It's been a while since I did our family's investing, but you definitely can make some bad mistakes if you don't know what you are doing.

Traditional financial magazines can be dated, so this helps you stay up to the minute on Wall Street news. Go check out all the fun at http://www.mywallst.net/. It's easy to set up a profile and start trying out new investing strategies to grow your family's nest egg today! Get that college fund ready!

Is There A Way to Stop Childhood Obesity?

Is there a way to stop or prevent childhood obesity? It's very discouraging to read about how our children are barraged with advertisements for junk food. They have limited opportunities for playing outside and for physical education.

As a society, we are seeing what is happening to us all. I can't help but believe that television was the start of our downfall and that it has caused health to spiral downward ever since its growing appeal in the 1950s. People stopped playing outside as much and even in my lifetime, children's abilities to just get out and play have dropped 500%. I used to be able to ride my bike, away from home, for hours and hours every day. My children now never leave my sight.

Am I being too overprotective, given the sensational headlines about kidnapping and sexual offenders? Have any of you read the novel, Little Children, and seen how the author Tom Perrotta works this in to great effect in the story of "typical" suburban family life? The characters, like most of us, are horrified when a convicted child molester moves back into their neighborhood. This affects the day-to-day lives of the people in the fictional town in a big way. Just the thought of it affects how we let the children play here every day.

I'm not sure what the answers are, but we need to make some hard choices to ensure the health of our children and grandchildren.

The Fall Sickness Strikes Back

Well, little Princess is very sick again. This happens every year without fail after the start of the school year. Within one week of the kids being in school, our entire household came down some kind of virulent virus (that would make a great band name, don't you think). Everyone except The Princess.

I guess her little immune system worked hard, because now the rest of us are well and she is the bad one. We took her to the doctor on Friday, and he said it was just a little virus, cold or roseola. Now it has turned into ultra bronchitis and more. So after this post, I'm going to call him on Sunday and beg for antibiotics. They really don't like to give them anymore, but we always end up needing them!

Start a Profitable Home-Based Business

I don't know about you, but at every single event our family attends, there are usually several bouncers and other jumping inflatables for the kids to enjoy. The kids will choose an event with bouncers over one without them! Someone is making money from all that!

Jumpions, Inc., a U.S. manufacturer, specialized in backyard Inflatable Bouncers and products for parties and events. They have a great business offering for just purchasing your own bouncers and yard fun, or for starting your own work-from-home business.

At the Jumpions website, you can find information about their products, which are all USA made. You can also order a catalog which includes bouncers, slides, inflatable games, water games, obstacle courses and sports items. These items would be great additions to your own family's playground. Each comes with all the blowers, mats, and accessories you need to get set up quickly.

Jumpions not only makes wonderful inflatable products, but they also help their clients market, promote, and grow their businesses. They have a simple business model, it's easy to run from your home, with low start up costs, a quick return on investment - in only a few weeks. There's no special skills required. And you can do it while working elsewhere during the week. This type of business has work on weekends, so it's a perfect second income. It just depends on how many inflatables you purchase to correlate with how much work-from-home income you'll be making!

I'm a big proponent of work-from-home businesses, after spending years as a corporate "drone". Our family is seriously looking at ways to expand our income by increasing the percentage of work from home income. This just may be a way we can do it with a minimum of investment. This really seems like a likely way that anyone could increase their financial independence by starting their own family-run business.

Baby Cribs Recalled Due to Strangulation Hazard

Baby cribs are being recalled today due to strangulation hazard. Three children died due to strangulation. In all three deaths, the consumer had installed the drop-rail side of the crib upside down, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said. This creates a gap in the crib that children can slide into and suffocate.
Seven other infants have been entrapped in the cribs, according to the CPSC. There have been 55 reports of the cribs' drop sides detaching or the hardware failing to hold the side to the crib.

Simplicity Inc., of Reading, Pa., is listed as manufacturer of all the cribs, which were made in China. The recalled cribs were sold nationwide, under the Simplicity or Graco brands, from January 1998 through May 2007. The recall involves multiple models and models numbers. Please go to the Consumer Product Safety Commission website for the model details.

None of the cribs that Simplicity currently supplies to stores is included in the recall, the company said in a statement.

Soccer is better for you than jogging, says a new report. This is for older men...so my husband, Tim, who has been sidelined with ankle troubles due to jogging, may need to take up a new sport. They say men who play soccer feel happier, and more refreshed than when they run or job and that it seems to be a better fitness sport.

It's Talk Like A Pirate Day - Savvy!

Avast, me hearties! Yo ho, drink that bottle O' rum! Today be Talk Like a Pirate Day! Every September 19 is time to celebrate all things piratey! So stop yer normal type writin' n' talkin' and sort and start Talking Like a Pirate! My mate over at zeldman.com has a great primer on what NOT to say on this glorious day!

Now you kiddies, ya can't be drinkin' the rum, we know....but ya can talk like a pirate all day at school! Ask yer teachers to do the same!

If ya be needin' teachin' lessons on piratin' check it out here!

Other ways to celebrate:

• Watch all 3 Pirates of the Caribbean movies - 2 in the box, 1 in the movie theatre
• Go to Disney 'n ride Pirates of the Caribbean ride over 'n over 'n over
• wander the streets in yer garb and shout "savvy" and "avast" until ya see the cops comin'
• can ya say Cap'n Morgan?

Now....let's go out and mutiny! ARRRRRGGGGH!

Crocs Shoes are Dangerous - Don't Lose a Foot!

Croc shoes or similarly styled shoes are a proven hazard on escalators. Some children have lost toes or mangled their feet while wearing Crocs and getting their feet stuck in the escalator stairs. So take extra care if you are in a location with an escalator and maybe take the elevator or the stairs if you or your child wear Crocs around the mall.

Madeleine McCann's Parents' Story

I enjoyed reading this positive article about Madeleine McCann's parents at CNN. There's been so much negative press in the past few weeks, I feel bad for them. I still have a feeling that they are not involved in their daughter's abduction or absence in any way. Maybe I just think that it would be impossible for parents to behave in the forthright way that they have done if they were in the wrong. That's my opinion for now. I think that the focus still should be "where is Madeleine".

Teaching Sportsmanship to Kids

Hello everyone! I hope you all had a great weekend! I've finished the series on school safety and now will embark on a new series about character building. I'm not sure how many parts it will have but this is Part I. I will blatantly credit Publix for this information. I thought they put together a great article in their recent newsletter for the Publix Preschool Pals Club. Check it out!

Teaching Sportsmanship to Kids

For toddlers and preschoolers, team sports should be about playing hard and having fun, enjoying a healthy activity with their teammates as they learn to play the game. Even if you don't know the rules and regulations of every sport, it's important to educate your child about good sportsmanship.

Whether you and your little leaguer are playing a game of catch in the backyard or sitting in the bleachers at the game, your actions speak volumes to your child. As a fan in the stands, be sure to always offer praise and encouragement to players on both teams. Another way to teach good sportsmanship is to discuss appropriate and improper behavior while you watch professional teams play on television.

Children should always understand that doing their best and being a good sport is more important than winning. Take time to talk with your child about respecting coaches and other teammates, as well as topics like playing fair, following the game's rules and encouraging others. Remember, when players and their parents are good sports, everybody wins.

By joining a team sport, little ones expel a lot of energy and need to take time to rest. Share victorious moments together and snuggle with a few good books, such as:

• Alpha Bugs by David A. Carter
• I'll Always Love You by Paeony Lewis
• My First Day of School by P. K. Hallinan
• Soccer Beat by Elisabeth Moseng
• Why Do You Love Me? by Martha Lambert

Judge Reviewing Madeliene McCann Investigation

The McCanns are denying any involvement in Madeleine's death. This week the Portuguese police gave a file to a judge outlining their investigation....we'll wait to see what happens now, it's all really gotten quiet since last weeks interrogations.

Would You Want Your Children to Play with This?

Check it out, this toy is alive! Or seems to be. This guy has created robotic Zeno, who is an artificial intelligence robotic version of his 18-month-old son Zeno, who prattles and smiles as he bounds through his father's cramped office. "Robotic Zeno can't speak or walk yet, but has blinking eyes that can track people and a face that captivates with a range of expressions." Just creeps me out, I'm afraid!

This is Steven Spielberg's AI movie come to life. I am not sure I would want something like that around, learning my name and responding me like my own child. But I'll bet there are some of you out there who would enjoy it...what do you think? I think I couldn't sleep at night with my artificial child blinking and waiting for me to wake up! Oooh!

Protecting Children From Sexual Offenders and Predators

Part seven in my short series on school safety. Since we're all heading back to school, or already have gone back I thought it might help to remind us as parents of the extras we can do to keep the kids safe. A lot of this information comes from the Florida Department of Education Office of School Transportation Management, Office of Safe Schools. Please review them with your children and have a happy beginning of school this year!

Tips for Protecting Your Children From Sexual Offenders and Predators

Talk to your children about following these rules:

1. Stay away from any unfamiliar person who is trying to trick you or force you to go with him or her.


2. Let your parents or trusted adults know about any suspicious persons or situations.


3. Learn to describe people and vehicles.


4. Know where to run and how to forcibly resist capture.


5. Scream to be seen and to scare a stranger away.


6. Stay with a buddy, a group, or parents at bus stops.


7. Report anyone hanging around or passing by regularly.


8. Accept a ride only from someone approved by the school.


9. Walk or bike only along a route that your parents or the school has determined is safe.


10. Lock the door and never tell callers you are home alone.

I'm A PayPerPost Fan!

I only joined up with http://www.payperpost.com/ in April of this year. In just a few months, I have transformed from a know-nothing-about-blogging woman with zero blog experience, to a blogger with a site that is growing every day with increasing traffic generation.

Since I started blogging for PayPerPost, I've made over $200 and it keeps on growing! I've really enjoyed looking for new ways to grow in both my business and in my writing skills. I was even a featured link by CNN.com recently! What a change!

My husband I enjoy working on our sites together and we often brainstorm ideas. I have enjoyed communicating with new friends that I've made via the PayPerPost forums and other blog forums. I'm looking forward to earning more to help grow our media business throughout the year. We hope to eventually have a full-time job for both of us because of these media ventures!

I Look Like I Lost A Fight...with Skin Cancer!

I have bandages all over me! Well, I had a visit with the dermatologist today and had some hopefully, not-too-bad news. It turned out, Florida-raised girl that I am, that I have basal cell skin cancer on my right forearm (they froze that), a second "maybe" spot on my leg, one on my back and on my nose (all those were excised...or chopped off for those who like a cruder description). I'll find out if there's anything wrong with those spots after biopsies in about a week. The doc didn't seem too worried. But you never know.

This gives me a chance to say to everyone with kids - USE YOUR SUNSCREEN! We've all heard it before, but now in my early forties, I am having tons of trouble because we didn't have sunscreen back in the 60s and 70s, at least nothing more than Hawaiian Tropic and Coppertone, both of which were trying to help you get a tan, not protect your skin. Just a gentle reminder, our kids don't ever have to have sun-based skin troubles. Take the extra few minutes.

September 11th - Time to Reflect

September 11th is a time to reflect. I won't say, "a time to remember," because no one will ever forget what happened that day. I'm reflecting because my youngest (aka Princess) daughter's age will always be the same amount of years that have passed since that fateful day. I was pregnant with her and she was born shortly after on December 31, 2001. So, every time they do a news stories about the parentless children of 9/11, I know just how old they are. I know what stage those children are going through. I get really sad about it all over again.

My oldest daughter (aka Butterfly) sympathizes each year with me (she's only 8) but can't really seem to understand why it is so depressing each time. After all, she's lived with the spectre of war post-9/11 almost her entire life. She was two when it happened. I had her with me at a Ford dealership to get my service done and that's where we found out that all the planes were hitting the world trade center. I was so shocked, I still left my car for servicing and got dropped off at home by the dealer. I promptly found out that I was locked out, because I had left my house keys on the car key ring. So I sat there, me preggo, with my little two year old, staring at the sky, wondering if something worse was about to happen, like bombs dropping out of the clouds. I actually eyed the swampy areas behind our home in Tampa as possible hiding spots. Fortunately, my subdivision's realtor happened by and we were able to break into my house, about the time my husband came with the keys. I didn't have to contemplate running into the swamp too long.

Our neighbors at the time were Bosnian refugees, who had come to the USA to escape war torn areas. They were totally freaking out and were discussing where now they could go - we all talked and managed through the day, somehow.

I've shown my kids the photos of Tim and I standing on the top of the Empire State Building, the backdrop is the twin towers, the year before the terrorists came. My daughter wonders why I cry so much when I look at it.

Only I will remember my then 2-year-old saying to me, "do I have to fight the bad men" and "will we need to get guns soon" and "I will help you fight Mommy". It's just like yesterday. She has never known anything else.

I want them both to know something else and soon. I want things to change. Please reflect and help make for world peace.

Oh and where I am this September 11th morning? Where else...at a different Ford dealership, getting service work done, but I will remember.

School Safety Tips - Bullies and Bullying

Part six in my short series on school safety. Since we're all heading back to school, or already have gone back I thought it might help to remind us as parents of the extras we can do to keep the kids safe. A lot of this reference information comes from the Florida Department of Education Office of School Transportation Management, Office of Safe Schools. Please review them with your children and have a happy beginning of school this year!

Bullying

Everyone in and around the school is responsible for creating a culture of positive behavior. A frequent problem is bullying. Discuss with your child how this might affect them.

What is Bullying?

Unwanted and repeated written, verbal or physical behavior, including any threatening, insulting, or dehumanizing gesture by an adult or student that is severe or pervasive enough to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment, cause discomfort or humiliation, or unreasonably interfere with the individual's school performance or participation.

Wow - that's one long definition above! Basically behavior that is interfering with an other's school performance or participation seems to fall into the above category. I know we've had problems with this with Butterfly every year in school. One year it was a child who picked on her because she was smart. Last year it was a boy with assumed ADD who interrupted the class and Butterfly constantly to "entertain" and then would poke and push her everyday.

Where Does Most Bullying Occur?
As with most harmful behavior among children, in general bullying occurs wherever there is the least structure and adult supervision. Most incidents occur on the playground, bathrooms, locker rooms, cafeterias, cyberspace (My Space, Facebook entries, emails), at bus stops and in the bus.

What Can Parents and Students Do?
Tips for Parents:

1. Encourage your child to talk to you. Praise your child for positive communication and behavior.
2. Provide/ensure adequate supervision.
3. Teach your child to be assertive rather than aggressive or violent when confronted by a bully.
4. Verify that consistent messages about rules and safety are practiced in the school and that staff is trained in bullying prevention.
5. Build a relationship with your child's teachers and administrators.

Tips for Students:

1. Stay away from bullies.
2. Tell an adult.
3. Avoid bad situations.
4. Make friends.
5. If bullied, tell the bully to stop, then walk away.

Did you know that research shows that half of all bullying can be prevented? Direct physical bullying increases in elementary school, peaks in middle school, and declines in high school.

Are Madeleine's Parents Really Guilty? Questions that Bug Me

Are Madeleine McCann's parents really guilty of her murder/accidental death? Or are they victims of a flawed Portuguese justice system? All of the recent news of the past 24 hours just makes one's head spin. Would her parents really be in front of the Pope while hiding the fact they had killed their own child? And why did it take so long to talk to them as suspects? And why was the rental car they rented 25 days after Maddy's disappearance so suspect? Will the Portuguese Police confirm any of this that has come out from the family's spokeswoman? And what about all you readers of this blog who keep coming here searching for items about Madeleine's parents giving her sleeping pills? I get many hits here per day, yet the first I've even heard this heresay was yesterday on our news.

Update - Now that her parents have left Portugal for England, what does this mean? Are they going to stay away from Portugal now, or just securing the twins before they press on?

There are too many questions here and too few answers for everyone. I remain devoted to the hope that this will come a better end that it looks now.

School Safety Tips - Walking and Biking Safely

Part five in my short series on school safety. Since we're all heading back to school, or already have gone back I thought it might help to remind us as parents of the extras we can do to keep the kids safe. A lot of this reference information comes from the Florida Department of Education Office of School Transportation Management, Office of Safe Schools. Please review them with your children and have a happy beginning of school this year!

Tips for Walking and Biking Safely

Walking and biking to and from school can be a great way to get exercise, interact with your children, and teach them lifelong traffic safety skills. Know your child's abilities and remember your child's limitations. Children under 10 are developmentally limited when it comes to judging speed and distance accurately.

Walking

1. Walk with an adult or responsible older child at all times.


2. Children under 10 should not cross the street without an adult.


3. Walk on the sidewalk when there is one.


4. Walk facing the traffic, as far from the road/traffic as possible, if no sidewalk is available.


5. Use traffic signals and marked crosswalks.


6. Stop at the curb or edge of the road and look left, right, then left again for traffic before crossing.


7. Walk, don't run.


8. Give drivers time to see you before crossing the street


9. Keep looking for cars while you are crossing.


10. Wear white clothing or reflectors when walking in the dark or in low light.

Biking

1. Always wear a properly fitted helmet.


2. Ride with an adult or responsible older child, when possible.


3. Obey all traffic signs and signals.


4. Ride on the right side of the road in a single file line.


5. Ride in the same direction as other vehicles.


6. Go straight across railroad tracks.


7. Use proper hand signals when turning and stopping.


8. Yield to pedestrians and alert them with a bell or your voice when passing.

School Safety Tips - Parent Drivers & Teen Drivers

Part four in my short series on school safety. Since we're all heading back to school, or already have gone back I thought it might help to remind us as parents of the extras we can do to keep the kids safe. A lot of this reference information comes from the Florida Department of Education Office of School Transportation Management, Office of Safe Schools. Please review them with your children and have a happy beginning of school this year!

Tips for Parent Drivers and Teen Drivers Going to School

To reduce energy usage, pollution, and traffic congestion in neighborhoods, consider walking or biking with your children. If you need to drive, follow these safety tips:

1. When picking up children in the afternoon, don't arrive too early and hinder the movement of traffic in the neighborhood around the school.
2. Wait in a single line and leave room enough so an emergency response vehicle would be able to get through.
3. Don't block driveways, mailboxes, disabled parking spaces, or fire hydrants, and don't park on lawns.
4. Don't block access to the the view from side streets.
5. Don't back out onto any street from the school parking lot or from a side street.
6. Try to arrange your drop off/pick up time after the peak rush hour and use designated loading and unloading areas.
7. Always heed signs and the directions of school and law enforcement officials.
8. Always obey posted speed limits and other traffic laws.
9. Act as you would want people to act if it were your neighborhood.
10. Be patient and understand that walkers, bikers, and school buses are trying to exit the school too.
11. Always ensure that you and your passengers buckle up.
12. Never talk on a cell phone or engage in other distractions while driving.

Did you know that motor vehicle crashes are the number one cause of death for 15 to 20 year olds in the USA? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Commission, 7460 drivers ages 15-20 were involved in fatal crashes in 2005. Most of the fatalities involving young drivers are the young drivers themselves, then the passengers.

Madeleine McCann's Mother Named Suspect

This is a dissappointing turn of events for everyone. If the police really suspect Madeleine's mother is a suspect, why did it take so long? We'll have to see what the outcome is here.

Madeleine McCann's Mother Interviewed

I just saw this update today that Madeleine McCann's mother was interviewed again by the police. There are rumblings, again, that the police in Portugal may have uncovered new information. I will keep listening and post an update when I get one.

School Safety Tips - Riders in Cars, SUVs & Trucks

Part three in my short series on school safety. Since we're all heading back to school, or already have gone back I thought it might help to remind us as parents of the extras we can do to keep the kids safe. A lot of this reference information comes from the Florida Department of Education Office of School Transportation Management, Office of Safe Schools. Please review them with your children and have a happy beginning of school this year!

Tips for Riders in Cars, SUVs and Trucks:

• Drivers and passengers in vehicles must always use seat belts or car seats. Anyone transporting children needs a child safety seat, booster seat, or safety belt, depending on the children's sizes and ages.


• Preschool age children should always be restrained securely in a child safety restraint system, such as a rear-facing infant seat, rear-facing convertible seat, forward-facing convertible seat, or forward-facing only seat appropriate to their age and weight range. Note: We once had Butterfly at a day care where we spotted one of the teachers transporting her own child in the front seat on her lap with her to school. We promptly withdrew her. That said a lot to me about where that teacher's safety-mindedness was or wasn't.


• All children who have outgrown child safety seats should be properly restrained in booster seats until they are at least 8 years old, unless they are at least 4'9" tall. Butterfly is now 8 and taller than that, so we just moved her to a regular seat belt this year.


• The backseat is the safest place in a crash. Children age 12 and under should ride properly restrained in back. Infants riding in rear-facing seats must NEVER be placed in front of an air bag.

Mattel Toy Recall Confirmed - Barbie and Fisher Price Items

A new Mattel lead paint toy recall is out today. Well, it's really fun to wake up and have to go to work handling customer service for the toy recall with new information in front of you, like we've done today. Thus far, I've handled a lot UK callers as they are also affected with the Barbie sets.

With the Mattel Barbie accessories, Fisher-Price Geo Trax Train, and the Fisher-Price It's A Big Big World 6 in 1 Bongo Band only a tiny part of each set that is affected by lead paint. Mattel is replacing the affected accessories and throwing in a little bonus piece when you return the part to them. They aren't offering refunds or vouchers for this recall.
Mattel is increasing product testing and more recalls may happen. This is a good thing, because they are going back and checking in more detail and more depth on the painted products.

Barbie Play sets were in retail stores between October 2006 and August 2007. Some may still be at retailers, even though they were notified.

Barbie Models Affected Are:

• Dream Puppy House - orange on the miniature dog
• Dream Kitty Condo - brown on the miniature cat
• Table and Chairs Kitchen Playset - yellow food on two dinner plates, brown on the dog, Yellow and Orange on potato chip bowl, orange on salad bowl
• Bathtub & Toilet Playset - brown on miniature cat
• Desk & Chair Bedroom Playset - brown on miniature dog
• Living Room Playset (deluxe) brown on the miniature cat
• Living Room Playset (premium) yellow flower on purse (handbag in UK)

Fisher-Price

• GeoTrax Rail & Road System Freightway Transport - Yellow headlights on train car and miniature ladder - shipped between August 3, 2006 and July 31, 2007.
• It's a Big Big World 6 in 1 Bongo Band - painted decal on top of clear plastic on the drum - Manufactured between May 19, 2007 and August 1, 2007.

US and Canada call 1-888-496-8330 to process a request for a prepaid mailing label and information so you can return your affected pieces for replacements. A receipt is not needed, nor is original packaging.

As always, you can get details at Mattel or at the Consumer Product Safety Commission for this recall and other prior recalls.