I know I am NOT Alone

Do you have Aqua Dots?

2007-11-08T09:45:00.000-08:00

About 4.2 million Chinese-made children's toys were recalled Wednesday after U.S. regulators learned a chemical on the toy beads turns into a powerful "date rape" drug when swallowed.

Two children in the USA went into comas after ingesting beads that were part of Aqua Dots craft sets. They have since recovered, Consumer Product Safety Commission spokesman Scott Wolfson said. Three children in Australia, which also recalled the toy, were hospitalized after swallowing the beads.

The toy, distributed by Toronto-based Spin Master, was sold in the USA in mass-merchandise stores from April through November of this year, CPSC said. Wal-Mart named Aqua Dots one of its 12 top toys this year, and it was the 2007 Toy of the Year in Australia.

The toy came with different accessories such as a drying fan, applicator pen, design templates for the beads and spray bottle. All versions are recalled. The product is labeled for ages 4 and up.

The beads can be arranged into designs. The chemical that allows them to fuse together when sprayed with water metabolizes in the body into the drug gamma hydroxybutyrate. GHB is known as a "date rape" drug because it can render users helpless.

Australian officials told Reuters that instead of the safe chemical 1,5-pentanediol, the potentially dangerous chemical 1,4-butanediol was used during manufacturing. When ingested, 1,4-butanediol becomes GHB. It can cause drowsiness, unconsciousness, seizures, coma and death.

In the USA, a 20-month-old child swallowed several dozen beads, became dizzy and vomited several times before slipping into a coma. A second child also vomited and slipped into a coma.

Michael Brown, a former CPSC general counsel, says it's unlikely that required CPSC testing would have caught the presence of the chemical. "Who would ever think about that in a toy?" says Brown, now a product safety lawyer.

Brown says the switch is the kind of problem that occurs when manufacturers are trying to meet deadlines and run out of materials or try to cut costs.

"This is a horrifying recall," says former CPSC chairman Ann Brown, who is not related to Michael Brown. "We're just not seeing any let-up in the kinds of dangerous products that are coming in from China."

The toy was recalled in both the USA and Australia on Wednesday. Spin Master says it has stopped shipping the toy. Retailers have removed it from store shelves.

The Australian based Moose-Enterprises was the first to recall the toy which is sold under the brand name, Bindeez, in China,

Scientists say the effects on children who swallow the item can include drowsiness, seizures, unconsciousness and in some cases coma and death.

Consumers can contact Spin Master at 800-622-8339 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. More information can be found at the links provided below.

Living and Family Rooms

2007-11-03T12:20:00.001-07:00

A continuation of
Good Health begins at Home
taken from Cleveland Plain Dealer Parade insert

Most infections are spread by physical contact....which is why washing your hands in hot soapy water for 20 seconds is the best prevention.

Sometimes what feels like a cold is really an allergy. Over 40 million Americans suffer from allergies, caused by dust mites, mold, pet dander and cockroach droppings (ewe gross), all of which thrive in carpet, drapes and upholstery.

*Clean carpets with and upholstery with a dry-steam cleaner (where do I get one??)
followed by an intensive vacuuming. Vacuums with HEPA filters are best.

*Leave your shoes at the door. Shoes spread pesticides, pollen and germs.

*Use sanitizing wipes on items groped daily, cabinet handles, remote controls, light switches, door knobs and keys.

Next on the list the Bedroom!

The Golden Compass

2007-10-30T06:03:00.001-07:00

THE GOLDEN COMPASS, a new movie targeted at children, will be
released December 7, 2007. This movie is based on a the first book of
a trilogy by atheist Philip Pullman. In the final book a boy and girl
kill God so they can do as they please. Pullman left little doubt
about his intentions when he said in a 2003 interview that "My books
are about killing God."

The movie is a watered down version of the first book and is designed
to be very attractive in the hope unsuspecting parents will take their
children to see the the movie and that the children will want the
books for Christmas.

The movie has a well known cast, including Nicole Kidman, Kevin Bacon,
and Sam Elliott. It will probably be advertised extensively, so it is
crucial that we get the word out to warn parents to avoid this movie.

You can research this for yourself. Start with this article on
Snopes.com, then go to Google.

http://www.snopes.com/politics/religion/compass.asp

Good Health at Home

2007-10-25T10:35:00.000-07:00

I found a recent insert in our newspaper very informative.

I will do a few post and share some great ways to keep yourself healthy by keeping your home healthy!

I hate being sick and will do anything to prevent it! Hope you find this informative too!

The Kitchen

The kitchen has more germs than any other room in your house, even more than the bathroom.
Because we are dealing with pathogen containing things such as meat and vegetables, we need to clean with more than just soap and water, we need to DISINFECT!

1 oz bleach to 1 qt water is one of the most powerful disinfectants you can use.

Tips:

*Never use your dishwashing sponge to wash countertops or appliances. You can cross contaminate. Use cleaning wipes (look for brands that say sanitizer or disinfectant)
Dispose of sponges monthly and periodically soak sponges and rags in bleach and water solution.

*If there are cracks in your wooden utensils or cutting boards, replace them. Also use different cutting boards for meat and veggies.

*Up to 80% of food-borne illness is caught in the home. Buy a refrigerator thermometer and make sure the temp stay 40 degrees (F) or lower to reduce bacteria. Preservative rich foods such as pickles and jellies can go in the door, but...
Keep milk and eggs in the back of the refrigerator where it stays coolest.

This was taken from the Cleveland Plain Dealer...next post is the Living an Family rooms!

I am back...

2007-10-11T15:45:00.001-07:00

Summer is coming to an end and now I will have more time.

To start of the Fall season here is a fun recipe the kids will love!

Taken from Taste of Home Oct/Nov 2007

Trick-or-Treat Turnovers
1/2 lb ground meat ( I used turkey..and 1 lb of it)
1 TBSP finely chopped onion
4 oz. mozzarella cheese cubed
1/4 C prepared mustard (didn't have any..but it would have helped the flavor)
2 tubes (16.3 oz each) large refrigerated flaky biscuits
1, egg lightly beaten (oops I forgot this)

In large skillet, cook meat and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink;drain. Add cheese and mustard; cook and stir until cheese is melted. Cool slightly. Flatten each biscuit into a 4 in circle; place 4 biscuits on each cookie sheet (you need 2 or do 2 batches). Spoon 2 heaping tablespoons of meat mixture onto each ( I made mine bigger and more meat-that is why I used a whole pound of meat instead of 1/2 pound since I was using at dinner for my kids, since they don't like my Sausage bean soup).
Using a sharp knife or cookie cutters cut out jack o lantern faces from remaining biscuit circles; place over meat mixture and pinch edges tightly to seal.
Use scraps to make stems.
Brush with egg ( I didn't do this and they turned out fine). Bake 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes
until golden brown!

Let's get moving

2007-07-30T11:14:00.000-07:00

I pledge to not be a blog slacker anymore. So please pledge to not be a blog reader/commenter slacker anymore!!

WE tend to always find things to complain about with our children. So I wanted to challenge you to find the GOOD.

When your kid does something out of nowhere that you have been working on, don't you just want to have a party??

Today in the car Ethan (almost 3) was whining for a drink of my pop (no, I usually don't let them drink pop) and I said Ethan when we stop you can have a sip, and instead of throwing a temper tantrum like he always does he said, "alright" and shut his mouth. What the heck?? I was so excited I turned to smile at him and say that was so nice Ethan. Those were good words.

YEAH ETHAN!!

So I want you to give a shout out to your child for any good thing they did. Whatever age. You can come back as many times as you want. BUT....

You also have to read the comment that you left to them. That will make their day.

That gives me another idea, if you child has conquered something, maybe I will do a post with their picture and a letter from mommy. Wouldn't they love it??

Let's just start with the shout out challenge.

And if you have a post for your child, send me an e-mail at iknowiamnotalone.blogspot.com!

I am looking forward to it. Let your friends know!!

Long Time, No Post

2007-07-24T12:01:00.001-07:00

Has it really been almost a month. I am so sorry to be a boring blogger! But I am sure most of you have been just as busy.

I don't have any interesting stories or uncommon struggles right now, do you??

e-mail me at iknowiamnotalone@gmail.com or leave your e-mail in the comments section!

Happy Summer.

Did you ever do something that you immediatley regreted?

2007-06-28T11:42:00.000-07:00

So I am being vulnerable and hope to get only encouraging words and to hear stories to make me feel NOT ALONE!!

Today Merci had VBS and needed to be there by 9, we didn't wake up until 8:30 (very unusual). I rushed to get us all ready and out the door. Ethan and I also had a mom's day out at church, which is only 10 minutes from VBS and 30 minutes from home, so we just found something to do until we had to be at church at 10. You all know how 2 1/2 almost 3 year olds can be one of the hardest ages. Ethan is definitely HARD right now. I have to beg him to do almost everything I ask, nothing can be done without a temper tantrum. I have defiantly been stressed, and having to deal with my almost 7 year olds constant nagging and bad attitudes along with Ethan's bad attitudes. So after we dropped Merci off at VBS we went to Walmart to grab a a few things we needed, and then we headed to church. Ethan was very good at church, he ran around with his friend, he was a little whinny, wanting juice every 5 minutes, but whatever. Once it was time to leave he couldn't find the car we had just bought at Walmart (which I told him to keep in the car or my purse but he refused) I had to go get Merci on time, so we didn't have time to look for it. From then on all he did was whine the whole way home, about anything he could think of. He also has had this new thing where he tells me to go certain ways (like left or right) when that is not the way I need to go, and he gets ticked when I don't listen. I needed to stop at the post office and at the bank so he wasn't too happy. We got inside and I was going to make lunch. I usually let them watch a show while I prepare lunch, but he wanted juice and could not wait. I decided to pour some juice for him and asked where his green cup was, he told me it was in the sink and it was dirty (from the lotion he smeared all over it) and asked for his M&M cup, I poured it and then he threw a fit because he wanted the shark cup. NO YOU SPECIFICALLY SAID THE M&M CUP, SON.
He was whining and crying and throwing a huge fit and I just got so frustrated that I.......

I was debating putting this on here, but I did ask Ethan's forgiveness and he said sorry for his bad attitude so I guess I can share................................................................................................

I poured the cup of juice on his head=(

How mature, I know. I was just to my boiling point and made a bad choice. Merci came running in the kitchen and began scolding me which didn't go over very well with me. I knew I was wrong the moment I saw Ethan's face. But you can't turn back time only try harder.

Have you ever had a moment like this??

Tell us...

2007-06-13T12:00:00.001-07:00

Two productive things you did today!
and
One thing you did for your children today!

101 Things to Do! From955thefish.com

2007-06-09T05:14:00.000-07:00

1	Make a scrapbook of everything you do this summer The Basics of Scrapbooking 42explore.com/scrapbk.htm
2	Have a picnicPlanning a Picnic www.recipeamerica.com/picnic.htm
3	Write a letter to your best friend English Works! Writing Letters depts.gallaudet.edu/englishworks/writing/letter/writingletters.html
4	Visit another country Lonely Planet Destination Guides www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/
5	Go to a ballgame Major League Baseball Team Schedules mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/schedule/index.jsp
6	Get a job (parent permission) Teens 4 Hire www.teens4hire.org/
7	Become a photographer BetterPhoto for Kids and Teens www.betterphoto.com/photography-for-kids.asp
8	Make dinner for your family Do-It-Yourself Dinner Party Project (PDF) www.reynoldskitchens.com/ReynoldsKitchens/KitchenConnection/ special/dinner_party/DinnerParty.pdf
9	Compare a book to a movie Compare and Contrast Essay (PDF) www.csudh.edu/CLASS/services/studyskills/english/ webpageworksheets/comparecontrastessay.htm
10	Write a poem 30 Days of Poetry www.msrogers.com/English2/poetry/30_days_of_poetry.htm
11	Learn about fireworks How Stuff Works: Fireworks people.howstuffworks.com/fireworks.htm
12	Bake some cookies Science of Cookies www.bakingandbakingscience.com/cookies.htm
13	Take a boat ride Boat Safe Kids! www.boatsafe.com/kids/index.htm
14	Sketch a picture of your house from the outside Perspective Drawing www.artyfactory.com/perspective_drawing/perspective_1.htm
15	Go to camp Virtual Summer Camp www.homeschoollearning.com/summer/summer.shtml
16	Visit a farm 4-H Virtual Farms www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/virtualfarm/main.html
17	Take a walk and record the sounds Listening to Nature www.museumca.org/naturalsounds/
18	Make your own soccer camp Soccer Drills, Skills, Rules, and Tips www.soccerhelp.com/
19	Keep a journal of what you do during the Summer Summer Journal Writing Prompts www.astoria.fulton.k12.il.us/JuniorHigh/JrHiEnglish/summerhelp/ journal%20prompts.html
20	Cut up an old greeting card picture and make a puzzle (parent help) How to make your own jigsaw puzzle tn.essortment.com/howtomakeyour_rgzx.htm
21	Start a band Make Music! Start a Band www.mustcreate.org/kid_home/kids3_1.shtml
22	Make a new kind of sandwich Who Cooked That Up? – The Sandwich members.cox.net/jjschnebel/sandwich.html
23	Blow up balloons, put notes inside and hand them out to friends Message in a Balloon www.nmhct.nhs.uk/pharmacy/nmha-activities.html
24	Go backpacking The Beginning Backpacker www.backpacking.net/beginner.html
25	Go outside and find 10 different kinds of flowers Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center www.wildflower2.org/
26	Create a web site Lissa Explains HTML for Kids www.lissaexplains.com/
27	Go camping Go Camping America Kids Pages www.gocampingamerica.com/kidspages/
28	Invent a new dance Elements of Dance artsedge.kennedy-center.org/content/2338/
29	Help an elderly person with house or yard work (parent permission) 20 Great Reasons to Volunteer www.volunteermatch.org/volunteers/resources/tipstricks.jsp
30	Visit the zoo National Zoo Animal Web cams nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/default.cfm
31	Learn a foreign language Free Online Language Courses www.word2word.com/coursead.html
32	Make an obstacle course in your back yard How To Set Up An Obstacle Course www.ehow.com/how_3113_set-obstacle-course.html
33	Make a treasure hunt The Ultimate Treasure Hunt www.allthatstuff.net/treasurehunt.htm
34	Read a story to someone Read Aloud Tips www.myscschools.com/tracks/parents/readtips.htm
35	Have a winter theme party Children’s Winter Theme Party Ideas www.partyshelf.com/Childrens_Winter_Parties.htm
36	Recycle bottles and donate the money to a local charity The Internet Consumer Recycling Guide www.obviously.com/recycle/
37	Clean up a nature trail Trail/Campground Maintenance www.volunteer.gov/gov/resultsZ.cfm?myPosition=trail&myTx=Trail/ Campground%20Maintenance
38	Build a tree house The Tree House Guide www.thetreehouseguide.com/
39	Create a new world World Building teenwriting.about.com/library/weekly/aa071602a.htm
40	Set up a lemonade stand Lemonade Stand Game www.coolmath-games.com/lemonade/
41	Learn or teach a new sport with someone Sports Illustrated for Kids www.sikids.com
42	Attend a concert Instruments of the Orchestra www.sfskids.org/templates/instorchframe.asp?pageid=3
43	Have a family game night What Game Should We Play? www.hasbro.com/familygamenight/pl/page.games/dn/default.cfm
44	Make a movie Movie-Making for Kids www.town4kids.com/town4kids/kids/digitalmedia/moviemaking/ movie_main.htm
45	Make a collage from magazine words and pictures Collage pbskids.org/zoom/activities/do/collage.html
46	Create a terrarium How to Make a Terrarium www.ehow.com/how_9374_make-terrarium.html
47	Go canoeing US Kayak / Canoe Disciplines www.usack.org/disciplines/disciplines.asp
48	Discover a new favorite author or book series Children’s Literature Web Guide www.acs.ucalgary.ca/~dkbrown/
49	Go to a museum Museums on the Web curry.edschool.virginia.edu/it/projects/Museums/ Teacher_Guide/Hotlist
50	Make a fire plan Home Fire Safety www.usfa.fema.gov/kids/flash.shtm
51	Make up bubble solution and have a contest Casey Carle's "Secret" Bubble Solutions www.bubblemania.com/faq/solution.html
52	Find a pen-pal (parent permission) Pen Pal Directories www.stonesoup.com/main2/penpal.html
53	Plant something Gardens for Beginners www.geocities.com/mastergardener2k/
54	Visit a tourist spot near your home Tourist Information Directory www.touristinformationdirectory.com/
55	Host a yard sale How to Plan a Yard Sale www.ehow.com/how_137461_yard-garage-sale.html
56	Build a sandcastle Sandcastle Tools www.sandcastlecentral.com/toolpages/
57	Donate some of the toys and clothes you no longer use How To Donate Toys www.ehow.com/how_10124_donate-toys-children.html
58	Research your family tree Family Tree Online www.familytree-online.com/
59	Fly a kite Professor Kite and the Secret of Kites www.gombergkites.com/howgen.html
60	Invent your own board game Design Your Own Board Game la.essortment.com/boardgamedesig_rxcu.htm
61	Use a compass or GPS to map your neighborhood Mapping your Neighborhood www.dnr.state.md.us/education/growfromhere/LESSON8/ LESSON8.HTM
62	Build a time capsule Making Time Capsules dlis.dos.state.fl.us/barm/preservation/conservation/time/
63	Act in a play So You Want to Put On a Play? www.writewords.org.uk/articles/theatre1.asp
64	Throw a cultural heritage block party Block Party Basics www.canadianliving.com/CanadianLiving/client/en/Food/ DetailNewsPrint.asp?idNews=230226
65	Make a bird feeder Plans for Building Bird Feeders birding.about.com/od/buildfeeders/
66	Organize a bike safety clinic Bicycle Safety Command Center www.state.il.us/kids/isp/bikes/
67	Spend time with your grandparents 10 Great Activities www.education-world.com/a_lesson/lesson136.shtml
68	Attend a first aid class Emergency First Aid Chart (PDF) www.ihsdesmoines.org/documents/Patient%20Education/ emergency_aid_guide.pdf
69	Dig for fossils Dinosaur Dig www.sdnhm.org/kids/fossils/
70	Write a song Notes on Songwriting www.robinfrederick.com/write.html
71	Tie-dye some t-shirts How to Tie-Dye iaia.essortment.com/tiedyedyefa_rmel.htm
72	Take a dog for a walk Tips for a Better Walk with Your Dog rubyglen.com/pets/dogwalk.htm
73	Have a paper airplane contest Paper Airplane Contest Rules www.frankenmuth.k12.mi.us/fhs/science/PA.html
74	Go without TV for a day TV Turn off Network www.tvturnoff.org/
75	Sign up at your local library for their Summer Reading Program Summer Reading and Learning www.ala.org/ala/alsc/alscresources/summerreading/ summerreading.htm
76	Learn some new outdoor games Games Kids Play www.gameskidsplay.net/
77	Make something from recyclables Crafts from Recycled Products www.makingfriends.com/recycle.htm
78	Share your favorite movie with a friend Movie Mom movies.yahoo.com/mv/moviemom/
79	Make home made ice cream Kitchen Theater Science in a Scoop www.carnegiemuseums.org/cmag/bk_issue/1996/julaug/ dept4.htm
80	Jump on a trampoline Trampoline Safety Rules www.outdoorfunstore.com/trampoline-safety.asp
81	Get a magazine subscription (parent permission) Magazine Listing www.magsonthenet.com/chilmag.html
82	Organize a scavenger hunt Outdoor Scavenger Hunts www.lovetheoutdoors.com/camping/kids/scavengerhunt.htm
83	Go swimming Video Clips of the Swimming Strokes wellness.lattc.cc.ca.us/real/strokes.html
84	Paint a portrait of your best friend Draw Your Friend www.arts.ufl.edu/art/rt_room/sparkers/friend_portrait/ portrait_friend.html
85	Start a collection How to Start a Collection www.ehow.com/how_10563_start-collection.html
86	Write a fairy tale Fractured Fairy Tales and Fables teacher.scholastic.com/writewit/mff/fractured_fairy.htm
87	Travel in time Odyssey Online carlos.emory.edu/ODYSSEY/MidElem_Home.html
88	Stargaze and track the moon phases Astronomy for Kids www.dustbunny.com/afk/index.html
89	Learn how to sew Learn to Sew www.sewing.org/enthusiast/html/e_learntosew.html
90	Visit a National Park National Park Service Guide www.nps.gov/parks.html
91	Rent a video of a ballet Easy to Read Profiles of the Histories of Ballets classicalmusic.about.com/od/historyofballet/
92	Roast marshmallows How to Roast a Marshmallow www.ehow.com/how_1164_roast-marshmallow.html
93	Watch the birds Tips on Getting Started with Bird Watching www.birdwatching.com/tips/kids_birding.html
94	Arrange a bouquet of flowers Virtual Ikebana web-japan.org/kidsweb/virtual/ikebana/virtual-ikebana.html
95	Learn to blog (parents permission) How Blogs Work www.learnthenet.com/english/html/20how.htm
96	Re-decorate your room Decorating Gallery www.bhg.com/bhg/decoratinggallery/
97	Learn to play chess Chess is Fun www.princeton.edu/~jedwards/cif/intro.html
98	Adopt a pet (parent permission) ASPCA Adoption Tips www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=adopt_tips
99	Keep your brain going Brain Teasers www.brainconnection.com/teasers/
100	Teach someone to use email How eMail Works www.learnthenet.com/english/html/20how.htm
101	Create your own holiday A Month With No Holidays? Make Up Your Own! www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/lesson018.shtml

Kid friendly recipe..sorta!

2007-06-08T09:27:00.000-07:00

I came across this recipe in Taste of Home Aug/Sept 2001.

I made it with the kids today! I was pretty easy and the kids got to help (Forgot to take pics).

Peanut Butter Puddingwiches

3/4 C Peanut Butter
1 1/2 C milk
1 C Cool Whip or like
1 small package chocolate or vanilla pudding
Graham Crackers

Line 1 13x9 Pan with foil. (I think the quick release stuff would work very well, I used regular and it made it kinda messy and hard). In a mixing bowl combine Peanut butter and milk until smooth ( I mixed it for a little bit). Slowly beat in chocolate pudding mix ( I did it all at once on medium speed) until blended. Fold in 1 C Cool Whip ( I just beat it in with the mixers!) Pour mixture into foil lined pan and freeze until firm.

Break or cut grahams into squares (break big cracker into two) cut frozen pudding mixture into squares (same size as grahams) and put between toe crackers. Place individually into plastic wrap and freeze overnight.

We ate some right away and they were messy. I guess freezing overnight will make them more solid!

Enjoy!

I let the kids add the ingredients and I would put the ice cream squares on one cracker and they would top it with another and ad to pan! With lots of licking fingers in between=)

Cute Idea

2007-06-05T07:26:00.001-07:00

Have you ever asked your child what they want to buy someone for a gift?

I do this all of the time with Merci, and funny, but she has come up with some of the best ideas!

Some gifts she has suggested for daddy: a motorcycle...a real one wasn't in the budget so we got him a hot wheels one!, screwdrivers, which he had mentioned one day and I had forgot, he was very excited when he opened his new full set of screwdrivers for Christmas, a snow tube, which has been so fun to go sledding with in the winter. I am sure there are more, but I forget.

Yesterday we were in the car and I asked her what we should get her teacher, since today is the last day of school, and she said, Mrs. Means only likes yellow laffy taffy. I was kinda like, well we aren't buying your teacher laffy taffy. We had to return a movie at Blockbuster so I decided to just get her teacher a gift card from there...who doesn't rent movies, right?? And while we were in line we saw a bag of Laffy Taffy on the candy rack, so we had to get it. I took all the yellows out and put them in a cute bag! Is that corny?? I wrote her teacher a note saying Merci just really wanted to giver her, her favorite candy!

So the moral of this post is that if you don't involve your children in picking out people's gifts, you should, they do a great job! They are quite perceptive!

::Mommy Survey::

2007-05-16T14:46:00.001-07:00

I was reading Christy's Blog and thought this would be fun for mommies. We all love to tell our stories!

I tag everyone, copy and post it to your blog and leave a comment telling us you did it!

Here you go mommies - a different kind of survey for a change - it's all about your first born! Let's see how much you remember!

1. WAS YOUR FIRST PREGNANCY PLANNED?
2. WERE YOU MARRIED AT THE TIME?
3. WHAT WERE YOUR REACTIONS?
4. WAS ABORTION AN OPTION FOR YOU?
5. HOW OLD WERE YOU?
6. HOW DID YOU FIND OUT YOU WERE PREGNANT?
7. WHO DID YOU TELL FIRST?
8. DID YOU WANT TO FIND OUT THE SEX?
9. DUE DATE?
10. DID YOU HAVE MORNING SICKNESS?
11. WHAT DID YOU CRAVE?
12. WHO/WHAT IRRITATED YOU THE MOST?
13. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CHILD'S SEX?
14. DID YOU WISH YOU HAD THE OPPOSITE SEX OF WHAT YOU WERE GETTING?
15. HOW MANY POUNDS DID YOU GAIN THROUGHOUT THE PREGNANCY?
16. DID YOU HAVE A BABY SHOWER?
17. WAS IT A SURPRISE OR DID YOU KNOW?
18. DID YOU HAVE ANY COMPLICATIONS DURING YOUR PREGNANCY?
19. WHERE DID YOU GIVE BIRTH?
20. HOW MANY HOURS WERE YOU IN LABOR?
21. WHO DROVE YOU TO THE HOSPITAL?
22. WHO WATCHED YOU GIVE BIRTH?
23. WAS IT NATURAL OR C-SECTION -
24. DID YOU TAKE MEDICINE TO EASE THE PAIN?
25. HOW MUCH DID YOUR CHILD WEIGH?
26. WHEN WAS YOUR CHILD ACTUALLY BORN ?
27. WHAT DID YOU NAME HIM/HER?
28. HOW OLD IS YOUR FIRST BORN TODAY?

What about stores??

2007-05-09T15:39:00.000-07:00

I know it's just stupid sometimes to think that if you take your kid shopping all day that they will behave. But today it had to be done! I brought a few snacks in my purse but that wasn't enough. Ethan cried and whined at every store for something. I know it is my fault for giving in, but I know you all agree that sometimes it is just easier that way.

What do you do to keep your kid occupied in the store, and how do you make your 2 year old sit in the front and get buckled???? What are your tricks?

Anyone??

2007-05-07T05:26:00.000-07:00

Anyone have any really interesting or creative ideas to pass the long summer days when the kids are all out of school??

I scared that we are going to sit around bored.
I don't want to be spending $ all the time.

Ideas PLEASE!!

This is a mom must!

2007-04-26T10:13:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone.
Its me Drea from Fina' Drea. Im filling in for Donna this week.

After having two kids I have grown addicted to many things... baby wearing and cloth diapering being my most recent addictions. :-)

One of my very 1st addictions though was the lovely lines of "Diaper Bags." Before kids it use to be purses for me... I had to have like a new purse each month. Not the case now :-) My problem is getting my eye on a fancy new diaper bag monthly. I must say though since Taites birth I havent purchased one :-) While pregnant though I attained 4 HAHA! I got one free from the hospital... one from my mom (SilverLine Fling Bag)... one from an online website called LTD Commodities and I won one (and my fav. right now) through Crazy Hip Blog Mamas site. [I wrote a blog entry to win it located HERE]. Its a JP Lizzy Designer bag costing a whoppin' $92.00 new! I could never afford a bag like this so its so nice having one heehee.

I thought I would showcase some of the bags I own and give pros and cons to each....

Then in the comments share with us your favorite diaper bag, and why.
Im always interested in new bags!

1st. I'll start w/ the cheapest of my bags

The Messanger style bag I got from LTD.

*click image for larger view* - Me sporting the
bag 8 months pregnant

Pros:
- BEAUTIFUL silk brocada exterior
- Wide opening
- Side pockets big enough to hold large avent bottles or even a water bottle
- Lots of pockets
- Long adjustable strap. Can be made short to use as a Tote Style bag... or long to drape across your shoulder (This is a very nice feature for me. I prefer messanger style bags)
- Interior is vinyl so it washes out very easily
- Came with adorable matching cell phone case
- Its not to big, yet not to small
- Folds flat for easy storage
- THE COST. Was only $14.00 WITH TAX included

Cons:
- After a year or so of use it may not look so pretty, depending on how rough you are with your bags. Im very careful with mine so this should last a long time
- Wasnt actually a DIAPER BAG. Its just a messanger bag. So it didnt come with a matching changing pad or anything else
- Brocada stains easily with juice but bag is washable (by hand)
- No interior bottle pockets (which I personally love)

Over all this bag ROCKS. Even though its not really a "diaper bag" it works just as good as any diaper bag I've owned.
They also had it in red and black. I prefer the gold color.

The next bag is my SILVER LINE FLING BAG

(green and black bag pictured. I actually own the
pink and brown one)

Pros:
- It has straps inside the bag that pop out to hook to stroller handles. I have a stroller without the connecting handles.. so this is a huge help
- Has pockets on the outside large enough to hold avent bottles or large sippys. It also has a nice elastic band inside the bottle pockets that keeps them secure. No more bottles slipping out :-)
- The colors are really pretty
- The Interior and exterior stay clean
well
- Has LOTS of pockets (the most pockets out of all my bags)
- Very slim
- Long strap adjust for tote style or messanger bag style. This bag has a really long strap so it can even go across my husbands chest.
- Has two compartments inside. Allowing you to seperate childrens items if you have two kids.

Cons:
- Its expensive. I got mine on ebay for $45.00... but to buy them new you'll pay atleast $55.00 or more.
- The bag is very slim so it has a hard time standing up on its own. This is annoying when you really want it to stay open sitting up straight.
- Doesnt hold as much as my other bags

and last...

My JP Lizzy Tote bag that I won.
(I own the pink one)

Pros:
- Beautifully made. VERY STRONG
- Wonderful colors and style
- Has little metal feet at the bottom so it wont ever touch the ground when you sit it down. The feet are very descret and tiny. Nothing ugly looking
- WIDE opening
- Lots of pockets
- Two exterior and two interior bottle/sippy holders
- Diaper wipes/diaper pockets inside.
- 3 inserts. Changing pad, larger pocket pouch and a little wallet tote
- Nice comfortable straps

Cons:
- WAY expensive... $92.00
- I wish I could make it a messanger bag some days... because with two kids my bags tend to slip off my shoulder easily.
- It can be bulky some days... but thats because I have a sling inside it and cloth diapers HAHA. So it fluffs it up fairly big

Well Donna, this post is very long :-) I should of warned you I talk a lot.
HAHAHA

So comment and tell us about your favorite bags!
http://www.diaperbags.com/ << is a great website with LOTS to pick from if you need one... Oh boy did I just cause temptation? HAHA. Yea... ok im going to go look at some bags ;-)

Happy week/ weekend ladies.

Sharing stories!

2007-04-18T10:41:00.000-07:00

I love to share stories of my kids. With Ethan being 2 1/2 I have many!

I was talking to my friend on the phone the other day and we were telling stories of the funny things our kids say.

Share 1-2 quick stories of words or phrases you child has used at the funniest times.

#1 A few months back Ethan and I were at Walmart, on the way out I decided I would grab a 25 cent can of pop. I out my money in and it wouldn't work, I pressed every selection, then I pressed the coin return and a dime came out, even though I used a quarter...Okay so I try again, nothing and this time it kept my money...so I kicked it to see if anything would happen. I got some money back so I kicked it again, nothing...RRRR...so I kick it again and say "Stupid thing". Well we were at the same Walmart yesterday and Ethan spots the pop machines and points and says "Stupid things mom" "stupid things broken"......LOL. Hilarious, yet not! I explain to him we shouldn't say stupid and that mommy was wrong for saying that. Kids!!
How the heck did he remember this??

#2 We were out of town last week. There was a bad storm outside and the electricity int he hotel went out. It wasn't dark yet, so we just had the curtains open in the room, where we were playing Wii. Out in the other room the curtain was still closed so it was a bit dark. Ethan comes running back in to tell us it was "pooky" out there. I never use that word, I couldn't figure out where he heard it. The I remembered he and Merci had been watching Scooby Doo, he must have picked it up from the show...and used it in the right context how funny is that!

Let's hear your story about funny things your kids have said!

We can do different stories next time! We all need a good laugh now and then!

Patience

2007-04-12T11:01:00.000-07:00

Patience is a virtue, a fruit of the spirit.

Is it hard for you?

How have you learned to be more patient?

Are there excersices or something?

Guest Blogger Stacey!

2007-04-02T13:47:00.000-07:00

I asked Stacey to blog about her life with a 20 month old and expecting a baby in 18 weeks!
Hope we can offer her some solid advice and encourage her!

My Thoughts on Baby #2

Where to start... well, my first son was born July 20,
2005, 8 days early, and very unexpected! I was
certainly not ready to go into labour when I did. I
think this has had a huge effect on my feelings as a
mom, and I've been trying to change my perspective for
#2.

This baby is due August 6, 2007. I'm very excited,
yet pretty nervous all at the same time. This time I
have more to think about too. How will I deal with
two? Will Rowan be jealous? Do I potty train Rowan
now, or wait til after the baby is born? Am I crazy
for having them only two years apart? How will I go
grocery shopping with two? Am I ready to give even
more of myself?

My list could go on and on. The things I've been
thinking about most lately are whether I will get back
to my pre baby size again, or if I'll gain way too
much weight this time. How was it for you other moms?

~Stacey

A few Things

2007-03-20T10:05:00.000-07:00

Just so you know, I have another blog, my personal blog, at www.blessingsoflove.blogspot.com

Come visit!

How hard is it for you to have patience?
it is VERY hard for me.

Ethan is battling a cold, a yucky cough, runny nose etc.
He usually sleeps from 7:30pm-7am
(I know, I am spoiled, but just so you know he didn't sleep for more than 3 hours at a time until he was 8 months old, so I deserve these long nights..LOL)

He has been waking up every 2 or so hours the past 3 nights. He just wonders around looking at me then goes to my husband and looks at him, and Merci said he has been coming in her room too.
So needless to say he isn't getting the sleep he needs=( By the time nap time comes he is so overtired he is screaming and crying and there is no consoling him.

He threw the biggest fit for about 30 minutes today. I know he is sick, but when they are so out of control like he was today, there is NOTHING you can do.
I was loosing patience very quickly.
I tried rocking him, I tried laying with him, I tried praying with him, I tried singing to him..you name it.

He was so worked up he was like choking. I was yelling by the end, I just felt so helpless and angry that he wouldn't respond to my tries.

I am so sick of hearing these mother on blogs only talking about the wonderfulness of mommy hood. It is wonderful, but it is also quite the opposite sometimes!

Ethan has been having a hard time at sleeping times for a few months now, he used to just go right to sleep, now he tries everything to make it as difficult as possible. I am so sick of it taking 30+ minutes just to get him to stay in bed. I can't go on like this anymore. This has me so angry I feel like I am a horrible mom for not enjoying "bedtime" with my son.

Please tell me I am not the only frustrated with being a mommy some days??????

Potty Training..LONG POST...LOL

2007-03-15T09:21:00.000-07:00

The dreaded words!
And honestly they don't have to be.

The best advice I can give (I have only potty trained 1, so I am not an expert)
WAIT UNTIL THE CHILD IS READY!!!

There are a few signs that are a good indicator.
1) They stop going in their diaper as much.You will notice longer periods of dryness.
2) They are interested in what you are doing. If you are a mom I am sure you make plenty of trips with your little partner, I know I am not the only one!!
3) They tell you when their diaper is wet or dirty.

I do NOT believe in Pull Ups
I say don't waste your money.
I never ever used them with Merci.
I did recently buy them for Ethan only because he really wanted the "Cars" diapers and so I could experiment.
But I seriously wasted my money.
It is very nice that they can pull them up or down themselves, and the "pictures" that fade only keep them interested for the first few times, until they realize peeing in a pull up is not different than peeing in a diaper, so they still feel comfortable wetting the pull up.

So if NO pull ups what should I do??

Well something that I was appalled at when going to a friends house, is what I have used this week!! They would let their little boy just run around with NO bottoms on. Letting "it" hang out, LOL. I was kind of appalled that even with people over they let him do this, but it worked for them and it is working for us. Since I have a very curious 6 1/2 year old daughter we put underwear on him, but no pants. He is much more aware when he has to go. He hates that if he doesn't put it in the potty is runs down his legs. This is why I am against Pull Ups. They can't feel a difference! In underwear they can. With Merci I also put plastic pants ( you know cloth diaper covers) on her so I wouldn't get pee on our furniture is she had a an accident.

You may disagree and that is fine, tell us your story!

Rewards: My son, Ethan (2 1/2) LOVES candy. I think I have 2 of the worst candy fiends in the world, and we use it sparingly. Ethan has realized that if he goes int he potty he will get some candy (2 M&M's or 2 jelly beans for example) so he takes full advantage!!
I also do stickers (Thomas the Train..use one that your child likes), he puts them right on his potty somewhere, we have a very plain one, so it is a reward and it jazzes it up some!
Also high fives and hugs and jumps for joy work well.
I mix it up some, that way he doesn't always get candy, and there will be a time when they won't be rewarded for going potty!

My mom raised 4 kids, 3 were boys.
Her tricks, that are working wonders for me (just in the last week) are:

1) Sit the boy facing the tank of the toilet, his pee will be aimed better and he has stability.
Ethan feels very comfortable sitting like this, he can even get on by himself.
2) Tell your son he can make "bubbles" in the toilet. It won't work if they only do a few drops, but if they really have to go the stream will make little "bubbles" in the water. Ethan gets the biggest laugh out of this!!

I have been trying to get Ethan to go on the potty for sometime, sitting him up there a few times a day or on his little potty ( he actually prefers the big one!).
He would only go like a few dribbles and be done.
My mom said that it is normal, that they are just learning how to use the muscles down there.
So now after introducing him to "bubbles" he is going a lot at a time!

He has even taken it upon himself to go upstairs alone remove his pants and diaper by himself, it makes me so proud!!

Nighttime will take a lot longer. That is a whole different step. Don't stress them out, just do diapers at bedtime and nap time until they don't wet their diapers anymore. Limiting liquid intake does help with this.

Tell us your advice.

I realize this is more geared towards boys, but my daughter was so EASY and she potty trained much earlier!! Like 2 1/2, she was done. Even at night!

And don't miss the Special Links Drea posted scroll down!

Link 2 us!

2007-03-14T18:50:00.000-07:00

I'm creating this post so that people will be able to click on a link to the right labeled "link 2 us."
This post will have all the new website buttons for people to add to their websites/blogs.
Thank you for all those who submitted photos! they were adorable!!

Just copy and paste the text below the button you want onto your site... and it will directly link people to this website. Thanks!

First reader topic!

2007-03-12T08:07:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all who gave great suggestions for topics!

I want to address most all the suggestions we get,this blog is for EVERYONE!!
I want us all to get something out of this.
The best advice is from mommies themselves, who have been or are going through the same thing as you!

Like I mention awhile ago in my introduction post, Please leave only creative ideas! I don't want generic magazine suggestions. I really got discouraged when I saw an article header on a magazine about a topic I wanted help in, and then when I sat down to read it learned NOTHING new!

The first topic I want to address is from Heather.
I'd love to hear about moms who have had milk supply issues, and how to supplement with formula.

I know that I personally didn't have an issue with this very much. I read a great book called BabyWise By Gary Ezzo (I think). This book had a great schedule to get your kids on. I loved the book, but did not agree with all of their suggestions. I and many of my friends used this book as a great guideline. There has been some controversy on all of his ideas (you can search around on the internet to find them). That is why I say guideline. Use what you want and ignore the rest. I remember it having a GREAT guideline for increasing milk supply without supplementing. Another thing I will say is I started my kids on cereal at 2 1/2 3 months and this helped tremendously with hunger problems! I would use the single grain rice first with breast milk/formula or water.

Let Heather know what you did!

DayLight Savings Time

2007-03-09T04:53:00.000-08:00

Do you have Daylight Savings Time? If you do how do you deal with your childs sleeping routine?

Seriously since my daughter waslittle I have noticed my kids convert to the new time about a week before we have to turn back or spring ahead. It is hilarious, especially since we are scheduled to Spring Ahead 1 hour this weekend, 3 weeks earlier than normal. Both of my kids have been waking up about 30-45 minutes earlier than normal for the past 4-5 days. I remember observing over the last few years as well. I am NOT complaing. This makes the transition so much smoother!

What about you?

Also if you have a topic please e-mail it to iknowiamnotalone@gmail.com
We need to keep a good momentum!

Contest!

2007-03-04T13:08:00.001-08:00

We are having a PHOTO CONTEST all for this site!
To enter it and for more details go to Drea's blog at
http://dreawd.blogspot.com

Hurry up and enter. Contest ends Wednesday!

WAY TOO MUCH

2007-03-03T08:51:00.000-08:00

If your kids are in school you will sympathize with me, if you home school your kids, you probably (some of your reasoning, anyway) do it because of this.

My daughter goes to a "chartered" school. They are a more curriculum intensive school than most public schools. So she is in school form 8:30-3:15, a longer day than public schools and they go to school many more days than your public schools. So why is it I have to work on all subjects with her every night. I am not against homework, but if it mandated that my child go to school 6-7 hours per day, don't you think they should get a break when they get home??
If I have to do this subject and this subject every night plus homework. When do I have time to cook and when do we have time to be a family?
I understand that not all day the kids are in the classroom, but I am so stressed out, I wonder how my daughter feels? school has become "let's cram everything we can into these kids head" and see what happens.
Merci is writing in a journal everyday. They are up to 6 sentences, yet don't even know how to read and spell thoroughly yet. They are taking 1 minute times tests, I can't remember taking these until at least 3rd grade, she is in 1st. I understand that times are changing and kids do need to know a lot more. But I think this is ridiculousness. No wonder so many kids have learning disabilities, they are pushed way too much.
I am sick and tired of me and my child being stressed and not getting the time to learn new things like she should.
I know A lot of teacher and I wonder how they feel about this and how moms feel about this?

I feel like people are going to be like, "well that is why you should home school" but right now that is not an option, God has not put it in my heart and I don't think that it will help Merci.

What are your feeling from your experiences as moms with kids in school, or from friends or from all you teachers!

What do you do?

2007-02-28T18:57:00.000-08:00

What do you do when you know there is a problem and you don't know what it is??
Where do you start, who do you go to?
I hate not being able to fix things.

My daughter has had problems in school since kindergarten last year.
Things that pointed to ADD/ADHD.
I never wanted to go here, but if there is help for her why not?
I am NOT talking drugs.
Josh thinks I am dumb for "digging", but really I am not.
I think she could possibly fail 1st grade. She had F's in 3 subjects this midterm.
She has many missed assignments..just because she isn't doing them. They just seem to disappear.
What the heck should I do??
I ordered a book by a "drug free" doctor, who I have heard many times on the Christian radio station I listen to, and I actually remember hearing him as a child.
He annoyed me because "everything" we eat is bad for us. But in reality, I have learned it is. These things we eat could quite possibly be the problem to my daughters problems.

Have you or anyone you known had to deal with this?
What did they do??

Pray for us!

do you spank?

2007-02-10T13:38:00.001-08:00

How do today's moms discipline their children? In California, someone is trying to get a law passed to forbid spanking your own children (under 3). Wonder how they will punish the parents who do spank?

Not sure about you, but I find this kind of invading.

Josh and I correct our children. We spank lovingly and our kids know why they are being spanked.
An awesome book I have found very helpful is:

God, the Rod, and your childs bod
By Larry Tomczak

What is your input?

I just got my first post

2007-02-03T06:24:00.000-08:00

We are STILL out of town, stuck in this tiny room. I am sitting at kitchen table and can see right into our bedroom, where the kids are sitting in front of Saturday cartoons. I just filled up E's cup with juice and out of the corner of my eye I see him drinking, and then "zoom" there flies his cup out of his hands across the room. What the heck?? Do I whip my cup across the room when I am done with it?? Ummm, NO. Why do 2 years olds do stuff like this? I give him 5 seconds before he is whining for his cup again.

Is mine the only one???

welcome

2007-02-01T15:04:00.000-08:00

I am excited to host this blog. As I was in the shower, upset about something dumb my 2 year old son did, the idea hit me. I needed to start a mommy blog, where we could all share our concerns, our struggles, and offer non generic advice. Frankly I am sick of hearing the same things over and over in magazines and books, you know generic, advice, that we know won't work. I want to know what you implemented in a certain situation and how it worked or didn't work. I want tried and true advice! Not that it will work for everyone, but it is worth a try, right! I want good creative stuff! I know I have some things I would love to share.

So if you have a concern e-mail me and I would love to post it! Please leave tried and tested advice!

Let all your mommy friend know about this blog!