Flu Vaccine Recommended for All Children

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices said all children should get the flu vaccine as soon as possible, acknowledging that many doctors have already ordered their vaccine for the 2008-2009 season and may not be able to give the shots until 2009-2010. The flu season generally starts in the fall and continues through spring. Currently, only children under five and those with chronic health issues are advised to get the flu vaccine.

My children have always had those health issues that qualified them to get the dreaded shot annually. They both have asthma. But since they said recently that this year's vaccine didn't work very well, we are on high alert, since the flu is spreading here in Florida. I am one of those people who do believe that vaccines help more than they might hurt. So many terrible illnesses are completely prevented by keeping up with the childhood vaccines. I will continue to take the whole family for the annual flu shot, after all we like the free lollipops!

Dumb Oysters!

My kids love corny jokes. They're really on a kick about using classic jokes these days on just about anyone. Here's one:

First Oyster: Where ya from dude?
Second Oyster: I dunno.
First Oyster: What do you mean, you don't know where you are from?
Second Oyster: Oh, dat's right - Flori - Duh!

LOL! I know it's stupid, but jokes like this are supposed to be. Anyway, Florida is home to many varieties of yummy oysters. Some of the best are Gulf oysters from our own Gulf of Mexico and Appalachiacola Bay. If you love oysters, you need to be aware of precautions to be sure you don't get sick from eating them. The website Be Oyster Aware has great information about oysters, how to prepare them and and great recipes too!

Changes to My Parent Trap

Well, the blog is not changing, at least not yet....but my Parent Trap, aka my home will be. Tim decided (well, we decided) to make a big change in our lives, hopefully improving them for the better. We will be relocating our home, our jobs, our kids, our LIVES to Huntsville, Alabama.

Huntsville, Alabama?

Yes, Alabama. Sweet Home Alabama. Forrest Gump's Alabama. Roll Tide (if that's how you say it) Alabama (Go Gators!). Yikes! See my accompanying photo - scary! These are the people that live in Alabama - rednecks! I have never resided anywhere but Florida, except when I was born in Colorado and then one year in Atlanta, when I was nine, so my father could get his Master's Degree at Georgia Tech.

You can read more on Tim's blog why we are going to the land of the deep South (even though we are technically more south than they are right now). He gives all the dirty details over at Florida Sun Dog blog, which maybe now should be Alabama Hog Blog or something like that. We are all kind of freaked out by facing such a monumental move. I wake up all the time, every night, obsessed with moving details and how we are going to fit our piles of stuff into a rental. The kids are freaking out because they are changing schools - again! Annie's been to seven schools so far, including three preschools. She's been facing moves and life like we are in the military. Emily was a toddler when we moved in with my parents after nearly going bankrupt. So she's sad about leaving Grandma and Grandpa. We will be faced with the challenges of living in a new city, new schools, new lives with no relatives or friends to help.

More to come on this life-changing event soon - I have to stop writing - my heart is racing again.

Toy Recalls Again - Cinderella and Spiderman

More toy recalls came out this week. These include popular items with Cinderella and Spiderman motifs that every child seems to love. So take a look through the kitchen and the toys for these.

Cinderella 12-Volt Electric Ride-On Vehicles by Dumar/Walmart
Units: About 64,000
Manufacturer: Dumar International USA, of Franklin, Mass.

The wires under the hood of the car and/or in the battery compartment under the seat can short circuit, posing a fire and burn hazard to children riding in the car.

The firm and CPSC are aware of 40 incidents of the toy car’s wires overheating. In several incidents, smoke was seen coming out from underneath the seat area where the battery is located. In one incident, flames shot from under the hood while a 4-year-old girl was riding the vehicle. No injuries have been reported.

The electric ride-on toy resembles the Pontiac Solstice. It is light blue and has Cinderella graphics on the front and sides. The wheels, steering wheel and two seats are pink. The white dashboard may contain an optional radio. “Pontiac Solstice” is printed on the back of the car. “Walt Disney’s Cinderella Special Edition” is printed on the license plate. It is designed for children 4 to 7 years old.

Sold at: Wal-Mart stores nationwide from August 2005 through February 2006 for about $200.
Manufactured in: China

Consumers should immediately take the recalled toy cars away from children and contact Dumar International for a free retrofit kit, including a new battery. For additional information, contact Dumar International at (866) 424-0500 between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at http://www.dumarusa.com/


Spiderman® Water Bottles/Sears
Units: About 6,600

Manufacturer: Fast Forward LLC, of New York, N.Y.

Screws under the bottle’s lid can come loose and fall into the cup, posing a choking hazard to children.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received three reports of screws coming loose under the water bottle’s lid. No injuries have been reported.

The recalled plastic water bottles have a Spiderman® picture on the cup and a Spiderman® figure on the screw-on lid. The water bottle is red, white, blue, and black and measures nine inches high.

Sold exclusively at: Sears stores nationwide from July 2007 through August 2007 for about $10.

Manufactured in: China

Consumers should immediately take the recalled water bottles away from children and contact Fast Forward LLC for instructions on returning the water bottles for a full refund. For additional information, contact company toll-free at (877) 244-4433 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

Storms Create Deja Vu

We just had a bad line of squall storms pass through here. Very short and with lots of rain. And with a big crack of lightning. Nothing unusual here in Florida, except this time the next door neighbor now has a gaping hole in the roof of the house and no phone line and my daughter is a victim of lightning shock.

She was stirring a pot of soup when the lightning hit next door. The shock traveled in our wiring and into her arm through the stove, much like when it happened to me twenty some odd years ago in the same house (see the chicken patty incident). She seems to be okay though, but I'll be watching her for a bit.

This should be a cautionary tale! Do not use the stove during thunderstorms! I didn't know she was stirring soup, but Grandma was cooking! And lightning does strike the same place twice!

Preventing Identity Theft

Losing your wallet or purse really bites! We've spent the last month trying to make sure that we won't become victims, since Tim lost his wallet at a convenience store. He thinks he dropped it in a trash can by mistake, but we don't know for sure. When the wallet went missing, we lost tons of valuable working and personal time trying to make sure we contacted all the creditors, banks and credit bureaus. We hope we got them all. So far so good. We weren't enrolled with a service to help us with all this and save us time. A protection service run by life lock can take care of all this for a very nominal fee. They do all the work for you if you lose any valuable personal or credit information - contacting the necessary bureaus and creditors. They guarantee their services against identity theft for up to one million dollars! That's impressive. And a great way to help keep your family safe, as they also offer the service for your children's credit bureau accounts. I hadn't thought of this and think that this is really a great idea! They say that thieves are targeting kids' credit information because people don't usually keep tabs on it.

Surviving Hannah

It's been nearly a week since our daughter's Hannah Montana Birthday Extravaganza (or hereafter known as HMBE). We hosted 18 rock-n-roll stylin' girls aged 8 and 9 in our home for singing, dancing and fun.

As each kid arrived, they received a customized "backstage pass to Hannah's concert" and an autograph book to capture each other's pop persona autographs.

They played games like "race for the tickets", where we did relay races for fake tickets to the "concert" that could be turned in for cool prizes. They also did a lot of freeze dancing for prizes. Each girl had a chance to do High School Musical Sing It karaoke.
Everyone glittered their hair, their faces, their clothes, the entire house! Everyone had a rockin' good time! I would highly recommend this theme for this age group of girls and it's easy to do at home. And we already had the Wii thanks to

Tim winning it from PayPerPost last year!

Valentine's Day Romantic Outing in St Augustine

There are almost too many things to do in St Augustine to list! It's one of our favorite places to go, not only because it is full of diverse culture, great attractions and fabulous restaurants, but because it's where Tim and I met! We had been correspondents for a long time, when we decided to meet face-to-face and decided upon St Augustine. We met at a still hopping and historical watering hole, aptly named Scarlett O'Hara's. We talked a while, then went shopping along historical St. George Street in downtown. We parted ways after a delightful afternoon.....many months and visits later, I was happy to plan our wedding there as well! Not at the bar, but along the lovely waterfront. We stayed in a bed and breakfast facing the waterway and as our guests partied down and enjoyed the festive bar and restaurant scene, we enjoyed the beginnings of married life together. April will be our tenth anniversary, and we'll be heading back to St. Augustine to celebrate.

Now that we have two children, we always welcome great family vacation ideas. You can find great tour and attraction information for St Augustine by visiting Trusted Tours & Attractions.

When you visit you can also Win a Digital Camera from Trusted Tours & Attractions by signing up for their newsletter about great travel deals to St Augustine and other romantic cities.

Have a Wonderful Valentines Day!

Toy Helicopters Recalled

This is the newest toy recalled in February 2008. Parents, take another swing through the toys in your toychest today! This might have been a gift your child received. We must be extra vigilant to help our children stay safer these days! As always, please visit http://www.cpsc.gov/ for information on all recalls.

Remote-Controlled Helicopter Toys/Soft Air Fun2Fly Microcopter
Units: About 30,000
Importer: Soft Air USA Inc., of Grapevine, Texas
The rechargeable battery contained inside the helicopter can catch fire during charging, igniting the helicopter and nearby combustible materials. This poses a burn or fire hazard to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: Soft Air USA has received six reports of helicopters igniting, including one minor injury.

This recall involves the remote-controlled helicopter toy “Fun2Fly Microcopter” with item number 91001. The helicopter comes with a transmitter that controls and recharges the helicopter. The helicopter is made of foam and plastic and measures about 6 ½ inches by 2 ½ inches. The transmitter measures about 4 1/2 inches by 5 inches. “Fun2Fly” and “Microcopter” are printed on the packaging. The item number is printed above the UPC label.
Sold at: Sporting goods stores and other retailers nationwide from May 2007 through December 2007 for about $30.
Manufactured in: China

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled toy helicopter and return it to the retailer where it was purchased for a full refund. Call Soft Air USA collect at (817) 210-4181 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or e-mail the company at Bhook@softairusa.com

Recalled Children's Products - February 2008

Here are the latest children's product recalls through February 10, 2008. Please see www.cpsc.gov for more details on every recall and more photos.

eeBoo Sketchbooks with Colored Spirals
About 80,000, Distributor: eeBoo Corp., of New York, N.Y.
The paint on the sketchbooks’ colored spiral metal bindings contains excessive levels of lead violating the federal lead paint standard.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

The recalled children’s sketchbooks have colored spiral metal bindings, drawing paper, and cardboard covers in the following styles. “eeBoo” and the style name are printed on a sticker on the back cover.

Drawing Birds (yellow spiral) -8 ½” x 11 ½”
“eeBoo Great Illustrators Sketchbook” is printed on front cover
Butterflies (yellow spiral) -8 ½” x 11 ½”
“eeBoo Great Illustrators Sketchbook” is printed on front cover,Garden Party (green spiral) -
8 ½” x 11 ½”
“eeBoo Great Illustrators Sketchbook” is printed on front cover, Up in the Tree (green spiral) -
8 ½” x 11 ½”
“eeBoo Great Illustrators Sketchbook” is printed on front cover, Nemo with Princess in Balloon (red spiral) -8 ½” x 11 ½”
“Sketchbook” is printed on front cover, Nature (yellow spiral) -8 ½” x 11 ½”
“eeBoo Great Illustrators Sketchbook” is printed on front cover, Princess and Butterflies (yellow spiral) - 8 ½” x 11 ½”
“Sketchbook” is printed on front cover, Princess and Butterflies (yellow spiral) - 10” x 14”
Other styles of sketchbooks with colored or plain metal spiral bindings are not included in this recall.
Sold at: Specialty and gift stores nationwide from September 2005 through January 2008 for about $6.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled sketchbooks away from children and contact eeBoo Corp. to receive a free replacement sketchbook with a plain metal spiral.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact eeBoo Corp. at (800) 791-5619 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at http://www.eeboo.com/safety.php

Toy Gardening Hand Rakes
Units: About 400
Distributor: Downeast Concepts Inc., of Yarmouth, Maine
Manufacturer: Zhongshan Foods, of China
The paint on the gardening tool hand rake contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal standard on lead in paint on toys.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

The recalled toy gardening tool hand rake has a wooden handle and a metal yellow bottom. “Backyard and beyond Garden Tools” is printed on the toy’s tag which hangs from the toy’s handle.
Sold at: Various home improvement and toy stores nationwide from June 2007 through November 2007 for about $2.50.
Manufactured in: China
Consumers should immediately take the recalled toy gardening rake away from children and return it to the store where purchased for a replacement toy hand rake. Contact Downeast Concepts toll-free at (800) 343-2424 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.backyard-beyond.com, or email the firm at productsafety@downeastconcepts.com

Bonafide Love Hooded Children’s Sweatshirts Nordstrom

Units: About 1,800

Manufacturer: Seventy Two Inc., of La Puente, Calif.

The garments have a drawstring through the hood, which can pose a strangulation hazard to children. In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines (pdf) to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled on the neck and waist by drawstrings in upper garments, such as jackets and sweatshirts. Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
This recall involves the Bonafide Love children’s hooded sweatshirts. The sweatshirts are reversible and come in two styles. The hearts and stars style is green and in the front has a heart surrounded by pink stars. On the reverse, it is hot pink with light pink dots. The Robots style is gray with drawings of robots and pink hearts. On the reverse, it has a zebra-like pattern with gray and black stripes. “Bonafide Love” is printed on a label sewn into the collar.

Sold exclusively at: Nordstrom retail stores nationwide from November 2007 through December 2007 for about $40.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately remove the drawstrings to eliminate the hazard or return the sweatshirts to Nordstrom or to Seventy Two for a full refund. Contact Seventy Two Inc. collect at (626) 330-8027 ext. 170 between 9 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

Trek MT220 Girls Bicycles
Units: About 49,000
Importer: Trek Bicycle Corp., of Waterloo, Wis.
Hazard: The bicycle’s frame can break during use, causing the rider to lose control and suffer injuries.
Incidents/Injuries: Trek has received 13 reports of frames breaking, including four minor injuries.

This recall involves Trek girls’ bicycles model MT220 and model years 2005 (light metallic blue), 2006 (metallic silver and metallic purple or pink and pearl white), and 2007 (pink and white pearl or metallic purple). The model name is printed on the frame of the bicycle. Model year 2008 bicycles re not included in this recall.
Sold at: Authorized Trek dealers nationwide from April 2004 through June 2007 for about $300.
Manufactured in: China and Taiwan
Consumers should take the recalled bicycle away from children immediately and return it to a Trek dealer for a free replacement MT220 girl’s bicycle or a $100 discount on a different size Trek bicycle. Contact Trek at (800) 373-4594 between 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday and between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Saturday, or visit the firm’s Web site at http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/support/safety_and_recalls

Transparent Toy Egg Shakers
Units: About 5,500
Manufacturer: West Music Company, of Coralville, Iowa
Hazard: The end cap can detach from the egg shaker and allow the small beads to spill out, posing choking/aspiration hazards to young children.
Incidents/Injuries: West Music has received a report of the end cap detaching. No injuries have been reported.

This recall involves clear, plastic egg-shaped instruments with various color beads inside. The beads inside the shaker instrument come in five colors: red, white, green, dark blue and aqua. “Basic Beat” and “Jumbo Egg Crystal” is printed on a label attached to the plastic bag packaging. Model numbers “BB5102” and “202212” are printed on the side of the label.
Sold at: West Music stores in Iowa and Illinois, West Music catalog, www.westmusic.com and at West Music exhibit booths nationwide from October 2006 through December 2007 for about $2. Manufactured in: China

Consumers should immediately take the recalled egg shakers from young children and contact West Music for a free replacement product. Contact West Music at (800) 397-9378 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or e-mail the firm at rcousins@westmusic.com

Tim Survives the Father Daughter Dance

Last night my husband, Tim, escorted our eldest daughter to her 3rd Father-Daughter Dance. Being the effervescent writer that he is, you can find all the poignant details at his post on Florida Sun Dog. The little one was supposed to go, but she's had some kind of 48 hour flu type virus and is just getting better today. That's good because we are hosting the best Hannah Montana party ever today in for Annie's 9th Birthday. Actually, it's billed as High School Musical/Hannah Montana/American Idol. But basically, it's a bunch of pre-tweens having fun and dressing up. I wish they had these kind of parties when I was their age. We had cake and presents and one game in the living room. That was about it.

Take Me Away!!!!!

Do you remember that bath commercial that held out the hope for mothers everywhere to be taken away from it all? I don't know about you, but a bath just doesn't do it for me! To really get away from it all, I'd like to really get away! I haven't been to Europe since pre-marriage and baby days (I know, you're jealous) but I'd really like to have that experience in my married life too. I've never been to Spain, so I think it's next on my list to visit. I found very reasonable prices for flights to Tenerife, which is in the Canary Islands. Sounds like my kind of place to visit - more exotic than the Bahamas, let's just say. Maybe for Valentine's Day? Tim.....

Baby Product Warning for Phthalates in Shampoos and More

New studies have been published showing that common baby products could be a source of phthalate exposure for babies, possibly affecting their reproductive systems. Products such as baby shampoos, soaps and creams could be the culprits in raising blood levels and urine levels of phthlates. Of concern in the article, they say "Concerned parents can seek products labeled "phthalate-free," or check labels for common phthalates, including DEP and DEHP."

I have been using baby shampoos and now tear-free kid shampoos, well, ever since we have had children. I recently bought an organic Natural Biotin Shampoo by J/A/S/O/N that has worked well for me, ending my chronic dandruff (yuck) and post-shampoo itchiness. I am switching the kids over to it today and ended my penchant for purchasing Suave tear-free products. Now, I don't know if Suave has this chemical compound in it or not, but I am so happy with the organic product which is phthalate-free, that I will switch all of us to it.

The article referenced above mentions that phthalates might not even be on the ingredient list, as it is commonly found in the fragrances they add to the products (making that baby smell!) My changes for this start now and I encourage you to explore your options. I have written about phthalates in the past and you can find this information here and in the previous link, so check out what's going on with these products so you can make the best choices for your children.

***This is not a paid post or paid endorsement for any products mentioned here, I just like them.

Hannah Montana 3D Movie a Big Hit!

Well.........

I wrote some time back that we had tix to the new 3D Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus movie. We just got back from our excursion with my two daughters and one of their friends. It was the closest thing to attending a Hannah concert and probably even better. First, although we had pre-purchased our tickets, when we arrived, we had to wait in a long line outside the theatre for our show. There were kids in Hannah wigs, shirts and every other marketing item marked with Hannah.

When we got in, I have to say I was quite impressed. Yes, Disney is making a solid mint here, but it was entertaining! I love the digital 3-D movie effects, it really was better than being crammed into a live arena. Great sound, great cuts and and a tight movie. Yes, it wasn't as long as a concert, but they kept in the best parts.

The three girls were wowed and enjoyed every minute. I would highly recommend it to any Hannah fan of any age! Now go enjoy!

Baby Einstein Crib Toy Recall, Marshalls Hooded Jacket Recall, Silver Baby Teether Recall and More

Here are the latest child and family-related recalls as announced recently by the Consumer Product Safety Commission or CPSC. Please be vigilant in taking care of your family with the items you bring into your home. Even if there are not recalls, pay attention to tiny and small items around small children and babies. Watch out for drawstrings in items that children wear, recalled or not. If something breaks, remove it from the play area.

Baby Einstein Baby Neptune™ Soothing Seascape Crib Toys
Units: About 15,000
Manufacturer: Kids II Inc., of Alpharetta, Ga.
The anchors that hold the straps to the back of the turtle can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.
Incidents/Injuries: Kids II has received 23 reports of anchors breaking. No injuries have been reported.

The Baby Einstein Baby Neptune Soothing Seascape crib toy is a plastic molded turtle with a toy aquarium body that has woven fabric straps that attach to the side rails of a crib. The toy turtle has a stuffed fabric head and feet. Model number 30858 is printed on the label on the leg of the turtle. Only crib toys manufactured in October 2007 with date code BJ7 printed on the back of the battery compartment, are included in the recall.
Sold at: Discount department stores and on-line retailers nationwide from November 2007 through January 2008 for between $25 and $30.Manufactured in: China

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled crib toys and contact Kids II to receive a free replacement toy. For additional information, contact Kids II toll-free at (866) 203-6788 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at http://www.kidsii.com/KIDSIISub19x35x1x0.aspx

Girls’ Hooded Jackets/Marshalls
Units: About 14,000
Distributor: AJBlue LLC, dba Apollo Jeans, of New York, N.Y.
The jackets have a drawstring through the hood which poses a strangulation hazard to children. In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines (pdf) to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled on the neck and waist by drawstrings in upper garments, such as jackets and sweatshirts.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

The recalled velour jackets have a drawstring at the neck. The jackets are hooded, zip up the front, have a front pocket, and were sold with matching velour pants. The word “DIVA” with rhinestones is displayed across the front of the jackets. They were sold in children’s sizes small, medium, large, extra-large and 4, 5, 6, and 6X and came in red, blue and beige colors. “Apollo Active Wear” and either style number 5033gk or 5033gg are printed on the jackets’ neck tag.
Sold exclusively at: Marshalls Stores nationwide from August 2007 through November 2007 for about $15.
Manufactured in: Korea
Consumers should immediately remove the drawstring from the jacket’s hood to eliminate the hazard, or return it for a full refund to either the place of purchase or Apollo Jeans. For additional information, call Apollo Jeans collect at (212) 398-6585 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m ET Monday through Friday.

Heart and Car Sterling Silver Teethers by Elegant Baby
Units: About 200
Importer: Elegant Baby and Baby Needs Inc., of Burlington, N.C.
Manufacturer: Angel Ortiz and Fracionamiento Lomas De Taxco S/N, of Mexico
Hazard: The hearts and cars on the teethers can break off, posing a choking hazard to infants.

Incidents/Injuries: Elegant Baby has received one report of a baby mouthing the heart when it broke off the teether and became lodged in his mouth.
The sterling silver teethers are circle shaped with either a heart or car in the center. The teethers have beads inside. The teethers measure two inches in diameter.
Sold at: Independent infant clothing boutiques nationwide from February 2005 through September 2006 for about $50.
Manufactured in: Mexico

Consumers should immediately take the recalled teethers away from infants and contact the firm for instructions on returning the teethers for a full refund. For additional information, contact Elegant Baby at (800) 334-5321 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, or visit the firm’s Web site at http://www.elegantbaby.com/

A Flash into the Past - INXS in the 1980's

All this Hannah Montana stuff got me thinking and talking about my rock and roll past (if you can call the current teen craze rock n roll). I mentioned to my kids that I've attended at least 30 of the top concerts by the all time greats. They rolled their eyes and said who? I first mentioned the Rolling Stones and Billy Joel and got "who are they?"

There is definitely now a generation gap.

I regaled them with my MTV-like moment of times long ago...in a land far away....Gainesville, FL, I can't remember the date though.....too far away and long ago.........This was my dream come true.....

I got to have an all-access backstage pass to see INXS, my then fav Aussie band of the 1980's...not today's remade INXS with J D Fortune, there will only ever be one front man and that's Michael Hutchence. Through the good fortune of having a sister with friends who had connections, I was given the opportunity to arrive early at the arena, I was actually on the "list" and waived through by security. I had time to talk with various band members at the pre-concert food and drink fest back stage. I went with their manager to pick up the rest of the band at the hotel and bring them to the show and then got to watch from side stage for the concert! Then post concert - backstage drinks, photos and autographs! The next week the MTV contest was just what I had done! To this day, I never had such good fortune ever come my way! It was the lottery of the day!

Child Safety Recalls January 2008

Here are the lastest end of January 2008 (23rd through 31st) recalls for child and family products. More to come shortly and then, I will be posting the February recalls.

Toy Racing Cars/Dollar Stores
Units: About 2,000
Manufacturer: OKK Trading Inc., of Commerce, Calif.
Surface paint on the toy cars contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
This recall involves toy racing cars that are operated with a remote control. The toy racing car comes with four additional tires and one remote control. “Formula 1” is printed on the packaging. Manufactured in: China
Sold at: Retail dollar and discount stores nationwide from October 2007 through November 2007 for about $1.

Consumers should immediately take this car away from children and return it to the store where purchased for a refund. For additional information, contact the company toll-free at (877) 655-8697 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at http://www.okktrading.com/

Battat Magnabild Magnetic Building Systems
Units: About 125,000
Distributor: Battat Inc., of Plattsburgh, N.Y.
Small magnets inside the building pieces can fall out. Magnets found by young children can be swallowed or aspirated. If more than one magnet is swallowed, the magnets can attract each other and cause intestinal perforations or blockages, which can be fatal.
Incidents/Injuries: CPSC and Battat have received 16 reports of magnets coming out of the long flexible rods, 1-inch rods, and of the corners of square building pieces. No injuries have been reported.
This recall involves the 293-piece (item number BB1502H) and the 180-piece (item number BB1431H) Magnabild Magnetic Building System sets. Both sets come in rotating display cases that contain 1-inch and 4-inch rods with magnets, curved 1-inch rods, triangle and square pieces with magnets, square-shaped plastic building pieces, triangles and 5-sided pieces, and metal balls. The pieces come in different colors. All of the plastic building pieces, except the 4-inch flexible rods, have the word “Magnabild” in raised lettering on them. The item number is found on a hang tag attached to the set. The product is designed for children older than three years.
Manufactured in: China
Sold at: Various retailers nationwide and online sellers from 2005 through 2007 for between $30 and $40.

Consumers should immediately take the recalled Magnabild Magnetic Building System away from children and contact Battat to receive a pre-paid mailer to return the toy and to receive a free replacement product. For additional information, contact Battat at (800) 247-6144 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at http://www.battatco.com/

ESI-R Screening Materials/Blocks/Pearson Learning
Units: About 18,000
Importer: RR Donnelley, of Chicago, Ill.
Distributor: Pearson Learning Group, and Pearson Early Learning, of Upper Saddle River, N.J.
Surface paint on the green wooden blocks contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
The green wooden blocks are part of the ESI-R Screening Materials, educational materials used by schools to assess young children. The items include 10 green wooden blocks, a plastic yellow car, an 8-ft. white cloth ribbon, 10 black and white printed cards with shapes, a red rubber ball, and a blue plastic button.

Sold by: Pearson distributes to schools, examiners, and educators nationwide via sales representatives, catalogs, and the firm’s Web sites www.pearsonschool.com and www.pearsonlearning.com, from January 2003 through November 2007 for about $23. The materials are part of a larger ESI-R kit that sold for about $120.
Manufactured in: China

Purchasers should immediately stop using the blocks in the ESI-R Screening Materials. RR Donnelley will provide free replacement materials and instructions for returning the recalled product. RR Donnelley is directly contacting purchasers and posting information on its Web site.
Consumer Contact: : For additional information, contact RR Donnelley toll-free at (888) 988-2940 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.rrdonnelley.com/ESI-R-Recall



Big Wooden Blocks and Jumbo Wooden Train Sets - Christmas Tree Shop
Units: About 15,000
Retailer: Christmas Tree Shops, of South Yarmouth, Mass.
Manufacturer: First Learning Company Ltd., of Hong Kong
Surface paint on some pieces of the toys contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported. The Big Wooden Blocks contain 30 or 60 colorful block pieces in 11 geometric shapes. The Jumbo Wooden Train Sets contain 70 wooden pieces including trees, stop and railroad crossing signs, a red wooden engine and green train cars. The following style numbers and UPC numbers are printed on the packaging of the toys:
Big Wooden Learning Blocks – 30 pieces Style 7210, UPC 14559211
Big Wooden Learning Blocks – 60 pieces Style 7211, UPC 14559235
70 piece Jumbo Wooden Train Sets Style 13275A, UPC 14217340
Manufactured in: China
Sold at: Christmas Tree Shops located in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions from October 2006 through November 2007 for between $4 and $20.

Consumers should immediately take the recalled toys away from children and return the toys to any Christmas Tree Shop to receive a refund. For additional information, contact Christmas Tree Shops at (888) 287-3232 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at http://www.christmastreeshops.com/

Reading and Math Aids - School Use/SRA
Units: 185,000
Importer: RR Donnelley, of Chicago, Ill.
Retailers: SRA, of Columbus, Ohio, Glencoe, of Columbus, Ohio, and Wright Group, of Chicago, Ill.
Surface paint on the products contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
The following recalled reading and math aids are for use in the classroom. The item number is printed on the product’s packaging.
Reading Products
Photo Magnetic Dry-Erase Board - 007176266
The magnetic dry-erase boards have purple plastic frames. "SRA" logo is printed on the front of the boards. There are permanent squares imprinted on the face of each side of the board. Sold in a set of five. They measure 8 1/2" x 11".
Student Crown - 0026612887
The crowns are red, purple and gold with a thinking bubble in the middle. They were sold in packages of 12. The crown’s two ends close with Velcro to create a hat-like crown for students.
Puppet Thinking Crown - 0812603575
The crowns are red, purple and gold with a thinking bubble in the middle. The two ends close with Velcro to create a hat-like crown the teacher’s puppet wears. Includes a chin strap. The crown measures 16” long x 5” wide with a clear pocket on the front of the crown.
Angled Ruler - 002674452X
The clear plastic rulers are 12 inches long, bend in the middle, and have green imprints. Sold in packs of 10.
Magnetic Number Line - R00006029
The magnetic number lines are white, about 23 inches long, and are numbered from 1 to 25 on one side and 0 to 1 on the other side.
Target Mat -R85454.07 (Grade 1) R13159.15 (Grade 2)
The target mats are blue and white or blue, white and yellow with numbers. They measure 3’ x 3’.
Double Nine Dominos 0322090911
The double nine dominos contain 55 tiles. The tiles are white with dots of multiple colors.
Mimosa Measuring Tape 0322058333
The retractable white measuring tape has a florescent green casing. The tape is two sided in inches (red) and centimeters (black). “10M/33ft fiber glass measuring tape” is printed on the casing.
Two-Sided White Seamstress Flexible Tape Measure 36434R03 / RM004 / 0420024/ 0026744511
The two-sided flexible measuring tape has inches (60) on one side and centimeters (150) on the other side in black print with brass or silver stainless steel tips.

Sold by: SRA, Wright Group and Glencoe to schools nationwide from July 2003 through October 2007.
Manufactured in: China

Consumers should immediately take the recalled products away from children and contact RR Donnelley for information on returning the products for a free replacement item. RR Donnelley is directly contacting schools that purchased the reading and math aids
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact RR Donnelley toll free at (888) 240-2730 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit http://www.mhcares.com/