President Obama wants to speak with our youth.....

Okay, so I'm a bit slow. The speech from the President has, apparently, been everywhere..and I just heard about it today. In my defense, we don't have any television in my house right now, and a chance to read a paper or even listen to the news is somewhat dicey in my constant daily rotation of work, kids, homework and 3 different sport practices.

Today happens to be a priceless & rare day as Prince Charming and I have no work, no games to attend, no practices and no children. So, taking a chance to catch up, check up and check in on the world I log into my kid's school website. And there, in bold letters, is a link titled: District's Position on President Obama's Speech to Students. Already wondering what I've missed, I click the link while simultaneously searching google for "president's speech to students". Once I find out what the speech is all about read some backlash, I have a funny feeling I'm not going to be happy with the school and flip over to the district's letter:

School District ###'s students will not be viewing the message at school. The district feels that parents can determine if you would like to view this message with your children. This way parents and their children can discuss the President's message.

Now, I have to tell you...I am kinda stunned. The President of the United States of America wants to speak to the children of America and encourage them to be responsible, make goals and do their best...and people are flipping out??

Uh, okay!

Like I stated..I can be slow. Admittedly. But people, what exactly do you expect our President to do during this speech? Send subliminal messages to our children asking them to take over their household and vote him King of the World? I can tell you right now that my kids will think it's really cool that the President wants to talk to them. Thinks they are important enough to warrant a speech. Thinks they are worth enough in this world and country that he wants to take time out to speak to them.

Telling our children to be responsible and take responsibility for their education is a good thing people! Last time I checked, learning to set and achieve goals was also a positive thing! These traits go beyond educational success and translate into the real world by making self sufficient and productive adults.

And on one (okay..a few) last note(s), ask your kids how many movies they watched during the last school year. I know my kids watched approximately 4 movies during the 2008-2009 school year. Apparently Chicken Little has more educational value than a speech by the President according to my school district. If I can swing the time off work, I will be taking my kids out of school for the President's speech..because I think it's important for my kids to hear this, they will think it's even cooler to hear it live..even if via the television, I think that it's important to take a stand when the world becomes so ridiculous, and as PC just pointed out, I think if you're so anxious for funding then you should probably listen to the guy who takes part in signing the paychecks.

What do you think?

(Almost) Everything you need to know about Lead Paint, Toy Recalls and Buying USA

Yesterday Brian left me a question I hadn't considered in the midst of all these toy recalls:

"What I'd really like to know as a parent is what is the danger really? How worried should I be? That's something that no company or regulatory body will tell you because they don't want to say "well it's not really a high risk" then get sued. I mean, will this lead come off in your hands, do you have to eat the toys, or what?"

And so I started wondering. If my Bean, who is 2 and therefore almost everything finds it's way into her mouth, were to chew on one of these toys for a few minutes...how much of a threat would it really pose? What are the risks, signs, and symptoms of lead poisoning?

So I went on a little web hunt today for answers, and shockingly, they aren't as easy to find as I had expected but they also weren't impossible. Here is some of the information and links I think will help you feel more informed:

First, this is the Center For Disease Controls information regarding lead poisoning in children.

The Mayo Clinic's article regarding Lead Paint Toy Recalls answers some basic questions. Here's an excerpt of the article:

Why is lead-based paint such a concern?

Lead is a natural element that's present throughout the environment. It's possible to breathe or swallow lead particles from chips of lead-based paint or contaminated food, water, dust, soil or other products. Although brief or limited exposure to lead-based paint or other sources of lead isn't likely to cause lead poisoning, exposure to even low levels of lead can be harmful over time — especially in children.

In extreme cases, lead poisoning may eventually cause speech, language and behavior problems, poor coordination and slowed growth. The most severe cases of lead poisoning may cause seizures, as well as permanent brain and kidney damage. Rarely, lead poisoning can be fatal.

Should I be concerned if my child played with a toy that's been recalled due to lead-based paint?

It's important to take toy recalls seriously. If your child has any toys that have been recalled, don't allow your child to continue playing with them — even if the toys look safe. Remember to keep the situation in perspective, however. Exposure to a recalled toy isn't likely to cause long-term problems, even if your child swallowed a paint chip from the toy. What's important is removing the toy — and any other sources of lead — from your home as soon as possible.

Dr. Sears (one of my favorite for parenting/medical advice) has a page dedicated to the effects and symptoms of lead poisoning and also mentions the misconception of lead in lead pencils:

HOW LEAD GETS IN

Children do not get lead poisoning from chewing on pencils. Pencil paint is non-leaded, and the "lead" is harmless graphite. The lead that poisons children comes from old paint, gasoline emissions, contaminated soil, contaminated water, and lead pottery.

CNN.com also has an article from the Mayo clinic that addresses lead poisoning on a more in depth level.

This CNNMoney.com Article was had some interesting information:

More recalls seen ahead

Americans should expect more Chinese-made toys to be recalled in the coming months, said the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

"If I were a betting person I'd bet on more lead paint recalls," CPSC Director of Information Julie Vallese told CNN. "It's clear that lead paint on toys is not isolated just to Mattel."

and included a look at Wal-mart's response:

A retailer's reaction

Wal-Mart (Charts, Fortune 500) said that it immediately removed the relevant toys from shelves, and placed a sales block on all registers.

It said it was carrying accessories from Mattel's Barbie range and two of the three Fisher Price items - Geotracks Freightway Transport and 6-in-1 Bongo Band.

The chain has asked toy suppliers to re-submit testing documents for both existing toys and those on their way to the store, so that it will have the most up-to-date information about the toys on its shelves.

Wal-Mart has also hired independent laboratories to carry out 200 tests a day, focusing first on toys made for children up to the age of three, it said. Top of page

This contains a lot of Mattell CEO quotes about the situation.

Parenting Magazine has online advice on How to take toys away with less tears.

The U.S. Product Safety Commission(CPSC) website has information on all recalled toys and includes pictures of all toys. The site also allows you to search by Month, making it easy to search if you are worried you missed a recall and want to see all products recalled in August.


Here is a search engine dedicated to helping you find Made in the USA products (Please keep in mind that even 'Made in USA' products can contain smaller parts, etc from other countries)

I did want to point out that Mattel is not the only company having lead paint recalls, it is simply the one the media is choosing to focus on. While searching the CPSC's site I found these popular character metal tops, these children's watering cans (sold at Jo Ann Fabrics) and these adorable toy alphabet trains.

I also ran across the article, "Top 20 things that are more dangerous to children than lead paint in Mattel toys". I find it a bit fanatical on some fronts, but I fully admit that could be my own dulled senses and consumer stupidity. I do find a few of these to be terrifying.

I hope this will help you feel more informed, more in control and provide a place to find some information.

If you have any links you think should be added please leave them for me in the comments!

Mattel / Fisher Price Recall Geo Trax Engine, Barbie Furniture & It's A Big World Bongo Set Plus one Mom Says "Enough!"

For the 3rd time in five weeks, Mattel Toys is recalling 848,000 toys, due to lead paint hazard. Click the picture for Information regarding this products recall:




Mattel has posted a video and the following pledge to thier consumers:

We take our promises seriously

As promised, in recent weeks, we have been busy testing and retesting toys before they leave factories. Our recent voluntary recalls are part of our ongoing promise to ensure the safety of your children. We have strengthened our testing worldwide with a mandatory 3-stage safety check of paint used on our toys.

1. 1. All paint must be tested before it is used on our toys. No exceptions.
2. 2. We have significantly increased testing and unannounced inspections at every stage of production.
3. 3. We are testing every production run of finished toys to ensure compliance before they reach you.

We encourage you to keep coming back to our website where you can learn about additional affected toys, what we are doing, and to find answers to your questions.At Mattel, the safety of your children is our utmost priority. That is our promise.

I personally would like to point out to Mattel if that if they truley take the safety of our children seriously, then it's time to truley step up thier game and bring thier production back to the United States.

***************************************

One Mom had enough after last weeks toy recall and the strain of trying to figure out which of her childrens toys were affected. Dana Laine Parker packed up her children and thier toys and headed to the CA. Mattel headquarters where she demanded that someone from Mattel inspect her childrens toys. Read more of this story:

After watching Mattel Chief Executive Officer Bob Eckert discuss the recall on a morning news program last week, Parker packed up her car with as many bags of her children's toys as she could fit in and headed to Mattel headquarters in El Segundo.

With her kids, mother and the toys in tow, she marched into the lobby and told the security guard she wanted someone to inspect her kids' toys.

Are my toys safe?

Refusing to take the guard's advice that she check the toys against product numbers on the Web site, Parker demanded to see Mattel staffers. Eventually, she was directed to a conference room where two Mattel employees examined the toys, none of which was subject to the company's recalls.

"My children's lives were worth too much to me to trust the Web site," Parker said, adding that sorting the toys is time-consuming and confusing.

"Who knows the names of each and every `Little People' toy? And the model numbers on the back couldn't be harder to read."

Now it's your turn to Sound Off:

1. What can be done (or what would you like to have done)to prevent this continuous issue?
2. Is Mattel doing enough to keep our children safe?

Mattel Toy RecallBarbie, Polly Pockets, "Cars"characters, Batman and more..

Today Mattel is recalling more than 9 million toy sets

(yes, made in China. Shocker, huh?).

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Mattel Inc. Tuesday recalled more than 9 million toys made in China, including "Polly Pocket" and "Batman" dolls and other popular figures, because of loose magnets and lead paint - its second major recall in less than a month.

Main recall site for Mattel

Sarge character recall

Barbie and Tanner Recall

Polly Pocket™, Batman™ Magna, Doggie Daycare™ and Shonen Jump's One Piece™ playsets

Question:
As this is the 2nd recall in a month from Mattel, I am curious to know if you would still purchase toys from them?

I want you to Sound Off:
What will it take for companies and the government to start protecting our children from this type of threat?

Two Teenage Girls Kicked off Bus for Kissing.What do you think?

Earlier this week two Fourteen year old girls were kicked off a public transit bus for kissing. The driver pulled over on the side of the road and forced the girls off the bus, allegedly calling them 'sickos', after another passenger complained about the kiss. You can read the full story here.

I guess I have mixed feelings about this. While I honestly have no problem with same sex relationships, I do question parents allowing this at an such an early age. I have never really considered the age factor before this story.

It seems to me that early teen years are so full of emotional upheaval and confusion for teen girls, that I would question allowing this type of decision to be made. But is it really any different than allowing a teen girl to date a teen boy? I'm not sure. Obviously this is overall a decision to be made between parents and their children. I do believe the bus driver was wrong for kicking the girls off the bus.

I am just curious to your reaction and thoughts.

Does this situation deserve different reaction than a heterosexual relationship?

Would you allow your teen to have a same sex relationship at an early age?

Why or why not?

THE KNOW IT ALL MOMS!

I would like to invite you to my newest project, The Know It All Moms !!

This is something Jen, Tiff and I have been working hard to get off the ground.

We hope you'll stop by and ask us your questions!

Now..for the first time ever..I'm asking you to leave!

Go visit and enjoy, 'cause without you...we can't do this!

THE BIG REVEAL.....postponed :-(

I know I promised to reveal a really cool new project that I've started with two of my great friends. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to follow through today due to some family issues I had today. I really am sorry! We WILL be launching on Monday..so PLEASE check back here then! Have a great weekend and thank you to everyone for stopping by and making the party a great experience! If you stopped here and I didn't get a chance to visit your blog, don't worry! I will be making 'post-party' rounds next week :-) HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND AND SEE YOU MONDAY!

Time to Win Free Stuff!

It's Tuesday and that means it's Party Game day! I know I could just have you leave a comment and then choose from there, but really, I think that's boring. So I'm gonna make you work (a little) for your prize :-)

Here's how to play:

• Below I have listed some hints to 5 of my favorite books, movies and t.v. shows (I could have done about 50)
  

• Do an internet search using my clues to find the answer. (Sort of a...Serendipity version of Trivial pursuit) (I did a google search with my clues and found the answers quickly)
  

• Post the answers in a comment :-) I will accept all comments entered before midnight.

• I will then take all the correct answers and randomly draw 3 names, and announce the winners tomorrow :-D

• My family members are not allowed to play. They will know ever single one of these without seraching :-D (sorry mom ! )

• What is the prize? 1 package of 4" x 6" Post It Brand Photo Paper. This stuff is seriously cool. Print out your picture and then peel off the back..and stick it anywhere...just like a post-it note! Change your mind? Re-stick it somewhere else! I'm obsessed with it.
  
  
  
  So Here are your questions and clues :
  
  1. These song lyrics are from what movie:
  "Bless your beautiful hide, wherever you may be. We ain't met yet, but I'm a willin' to bet...you're the gal for me"
  
  
  
  2. Which two of my favorite actors starred as leading man and leading lady in 'Adventures Of Robin Hood' in 1938?
  
  
  
  3. Anne Shirley, Gilbert Blythe, Diana Barry and 'The Lake of Shining Waters' are all from what book?
  
  
  4. These Lyrics Are from what Movie: "Just you wait 'enry 'iggins just you wait!"
  
  5. Rose and The Doctor are from what T.V. Show?
  

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Tommorow is the big S.E.X. talk and I need your HELP and ADVICE! See ya then!

My New Party Dress and a few extra ruffles

So! What do you think? Isn't my new blog design SUPREME!? I'm totally happy and in love. And thank you to my mom for working non-stop on getting it going for me!

Today is also my mom's b-day so...HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!! I would tell you how old she is and then show you a picture so you could see how awesome she looks, but she'd kill me :-D

Tuesday there will be a contest with FREE prizes

Wednesday will be my S.E.X. talk (and in case anyone is freaking out...it's not even "R" rated), and I need YOUR advice, so PLEASE come back.

Friday is the big day! Two of my closest friends and I will be launching a new project that I think you'll be very excited about! And there's even a rumor of MORE prizes involved.

Let me know how you like the look and thanks for stopping by!

America Stinks says Canada!

A Californian Skunk unwittingly hitched a ride to Canada on Friday.

The Toronto Wildlife Center is having some trouble finding the little fella a ride home.
Airlines, who usually fly accidental tourists like this home, are not keen to allow this passenger on board.

Because Skunks are so highly territorial they are unable to set him free in Canada or over the American Border. Doing so would start a Skunk War of sorts:

Releasing her into the wild in Canada is out of the question, Karvonen said.

"It's totally and utterly illegal from a provincial and federal standpoint to release a California skunk in Ontario."

As well, "skunks are very territorial animals ... "They won't just readily accept a stranger in their territory, so there will be a big skunk fight.

***Insert highly amused giggle here***