Morals Life’s Building Blocks

Teaching morals to our children is one of the most critical life lessons that they can learn.  It is up to us as parents to help guide them in the direction and hope that carry this with them throughout.  I guess as a first time parent, you are always asking yourself if you are doing things right with your children.

Life’s Building Blocks, Inc., is a company that designs, creates, markets and sells an extensive line of unique products and programs dedicated to helping parents develop morals and character in children in a fun and interactive environment. Their products include books, board games, toys and DVD’s.

At Life’s Building Blocks, their products have several objectives

Moral Development:

Encourage children to think about everyday moral decisions and decide the right course of action.

Character Development

The initial focus will be on teaching children to understand the concepts (virtues) of Honesty, Persistence (tenaciousness), Fairness, Courage, Kindness and Self-Control.

At Life’s Building Blocks, they make this learning process fun and non intimidating.  Thus, leaving valuable insight for you as a parent and giving your child the tools to make good decisions and deal with the consequences.  I think this is a really positive and good idea and it is worth taking a look at.   They offer a free e-newsletter with tons of information and resources for parents today.    Just go to www.lifesbuildingblocks.com and sign up.  It is a simple and easy way to get some really valuable tools and information.

Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes Earn Your Stripes Program

I just recently learned about a really cool program to help rebuild some of the playing fields around the United States. So many of them are in disrepair, and even more are going by the waste side due to the lack of funds and our failing economy. These are the things that get neglected and sometimes are often an important part of communities. As a child, I can remember families gathering to cheer on their children, hanging out with my cousins, running to and from the concession stand, and just having fun. Sports are fun to watch, but also have a way of bringing people together. Often time the things that get cut or go missing are often times one of the most important and are what feed the human spirit.

Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes Earn Your Stripes program has initiated a call-to-action for a national field renovation program that kicks off this coming Super Bowl Sunday with a commercial entitled “Plant a Seed.“

This ad focuses on the role we all play in building stronger communities and making a difference in kids’ lives. Because the Earn Your Stripes  program is about inspiring kids to be their very best, “Plant a Seed” shows that before anyone can earn a single stripe, someone has to plant a seed and help give kids places to realize their promise and potential.

The field renovation kick off will make over approximately 50 fields across the United States to help provide better places for families to stay active. Through this program, fields will once again become central and spirited places of activity and community in cities and towns across the country.

Sports aren’t just something to watch, they help build determination in young people, build self esteem and confidence, and encourage the growth of friendships. These are thing that help to build a well rounded confident individual. Visit Kellogg’s Plant A Seed program and nominate one of your local fields, it is such a wonderful program.

CPSIA What You Need to Know Right Now.

In case you haven’t heard things are about to drastically change in the world of handmade toys, hand me downs, small toy companies and many more.  In Feb. our already failing economy is about to suffer more at the the hands of CPSIA.  This will have a major effect on small businesses who cannot keep up with the new stringent lead testing and the exorbitant costs of doing so.  Anything and everything right down to the hair bows on your child’s head will be exposed to this scrutiny.  Books will be pulled from libraries which will have a major impact on communities whose schools are already struggling.  Are they for real?   Something needs to be done!

The following outlines some of the many problems with the CPSIA and provides insight on how YOU may be affected. Reposted with permission from Etsy sellers chichiboulie and Winklepots:

Have you asked yourself what your government is doing to protect your children from lead contained in toys? The answer? They’re banning toys, taking books from schools and libraries, hurting low income families, killing entrepreneurial spirit and risking putting the economy in an even greater depression than we’ve seen in decades. I’d like to introduce you to their solution: the CPSIA.

Do you know about the CPSIA? No? Then I ask you to take a few minutes to find out about it.

The CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws that will come into effect on 10 February, 2009 and will impact many, many people in a negative way. Make no mistake, this is very real. View it for yourself. If Forbes, the American Library Association and numerous other media are paying attention, perhaps you should too. How will these new laws affect you? Well, here are a few examples:

To the Parents of Young Students: Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren’t originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.
To the Avid Reader: Due to the new law, all children’s books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. That’s okay though, there’s always television. Our children don’t need to learn the love of reading after all. Article from the American Library Association http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1322
To the Lover of All Things Handmade: Due to the new law, you will now be given a cotton ball and an instruction manual so you can make it yourself since that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it’s passed testing. It won’t even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available next winter.

To the Environmentalist: Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will now be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can’t sell it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can’t even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.

To the Second-Hand Shopper: Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children’s items all together to avoid future lawsuits.

To the Entrepreneur: Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you’ll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America.

To the Antique Toy Collector: Due to the new law, you’d better start buying now because it’s all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren’t certified as safe.” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123189645948879745.html

To the American Economy: Already struggling under an economy that hasn’t been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake.

To the Worldwide Economy: Due to this new law, many foreign manufacturers have already pulled out of the US market. You can imagine the impact of this on their businesses.

If you think this is exaggerating, here is a recent article from Forbes

And for those of you prepared to be stupefied and boggled, The New Law
Did you know? If this upsets or alarms you, please react.

What can you do? Please see the CPSIA Action Kit for some excellent resources, including sample letters and contact information

You can also visit Handmade Toy Alliance for more information about how this law will effect small businesses that make handmade products and an Initiative here

Please write to your local congressman even, so things don’t get out of hand and we can save the little man.

Mabel’s Labels Blogher09 Contest

In case you didn’t see from my previous post I am really hoping to get the chance to attend the Blogher09 conference in Chicago this year.  This would be such an incredible learning opportunity for me.

Thanks to Mabel’s Labels they are offering one lucky winner the chance to go!   The grand prize winner will be given one free pass to the the Blogher09 conference July 24-25, and will be featured as the event’s chief correspondent on Mabel’s Labels blog.  The grand prize includes flight, pass to the conference, and two nights paid at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers.

All you gotta do is answer the question:  What have been the rewards and benefits of participating in the blogging community?  And this is my response.

For me blogging has taken on a whole new meaning.   Being a stay at home mom you tend to be confined to being at home a lot, and especially with little ones running around.   For me, blogging has been rewarding in so many ways than I ever thought possible.   I am still in the learning process but it is something I really enjoy.

Having a blog has opened so many doors to the outside world.  I didn’t use to think that I would love working with companies to get the word out about their products, and love being able to try things out and experience some of the best products out there, that I wouldn’t have normally known about. Not only that, I have a place that is a home for my thoughts and a place to share with others in hopes that I offer something useful for someone.

The benefits to me as a person are so numerous.  I have been able to come out of my shell a little bit and interact with other moms and with companies, and have learned that I really enjoy it.  I get to express my honest opinions about things, and I have surprised myself, in that, I am a person who loves the challenges of presenting things in my own creative way.

You get so much out of blogging, and it is such a self esteem boost to do something you love, and enjoy, and then get the positive feedback from the people you work with.  Nothing feels better than writing something positive for a company, and then getting the “Hey that is an awesome post, thank you so much!” and then continuing that relationship down the road. I think it offers encouragement for all that is involved.

One of the best parts about blogging is you are always learning, and the opportunity for learning always exists.  Each and every day I learn something different and want to push myself a little further.

Thank you so much for this opportunity Mabel’s Labels!

Blogher09 I want to go!

So I have been discussing with a few friends about going to the Blogher09 conference and I am thinking about how much I would love to be able to attend.  This would be such a real treat for me, at the same time, I have never left my babies before so that will be something I will have to mentally prepare for.  The one positive thing is, I get to get a chance to learn, talk with other mom bloggers, meet up with some companies, and really enjoy some relaxation and an experience of a lifetime.

I am really excited about the possibilty of getting to go, and now I just have to find a way to get there!  I still have plenty of time and hope sometime between now and then I find a sponsor or I can scrape up the change to get myself to Chicago!

Voice Today: Breaking the Silence of Child Sexual Abuse

Sometimes the most important issues are the hardest to talk about. Angela Williams, founder of the not-for-profit organization VOICE Today, Inc., suffered through 14 silent years of incest at the hands of her stepfather. She understands all too well how hard it can be to break the silence and that’s why she created the VOICE Today organization.

It’s estimated that 9 out of 10 sexually abused children never speak up about their abuse. This alarming statistic is a testament to the importance of the efforts of VOICE Today. The organization was created to give survivors of abuse a chance to break the silence, give children the opportunity to learn about protection and finally to give adults a plan of prevention for sexual abuse.

The organization plans to get the word out through a weekly radio show titled Break the Silence and via speaking engagements about the organization. Their website, www.voicetoday.org, has links to Christian counseling services, support groups and an anonymous blog where survivors can confidentially share their
stories.

In addition to creating VOICE Today, Inc., Williams recently released the book From Sorrows To Sapphires – Silence, Incest and God which unleashes the secrets of incest in a true story. It is a story of a heart-wrenching journey through a child’s life as a victim of 14 years of horrendous sexual, physical and emotional abuse, to a survivor, and ultimately a victor over the abuse.

Some staggering statistics about child sexual abuse:

• 1 in 4 girls are sexually abused by the time they turn 17
• 1 in 6 boys are sexually abused by the time they turn 17
• 1 in 5 girls are abused by their fathers or a father figure
• 90 percent of child sexual abuse is by someone the child knows, loves and trusts

Some of the most disturbing data about child sexual abuse concerns the development of children that have
been sexually abused. Between 70 percent and 80 percent of sexual abuse survivors report a drug or alcohol addiction later in life. Among male sexual abuse survivors, 50 percent report suicidal thoughts and 20 percent have attempted suicide. Finally, 40 percent of sexual abusers report being abused as children.

Whether these damaging effects are only a factor of abuse, or a combination of abuse and silence, VOICE Today realized there was a need for an organization for the victims of this silent epidemic. They hope that prevention, protection and education will give victims of child sexual abuse the VOICE they’ve needed for years.

For more information on the organization or its founder visit www.voicetoday.org.

Wishing you all a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving Holiday

I just wanted to take the opportunity to wish all of you a very safe and Happy Thanksgiving with all of your families.  I am thankful for my wonderful family and two healthy children.  I am thankful for my friends, and a roof over my head, and food in our stomachs.  I hope that you all enjoy your day and families!

I voted today

Well, I stumbled out of bed at 5:30 am this morning to go up and get my vote in.   It only took me 45 minutes but I am glad I got there early because about 15 minutes after I arrived the line wrapped the building.  I stood in line amongst all the quiet people, and wondering who everyone was voting for.   If you have ever been through an election it is usually not posh to talk about who you are voting for anyway.  I wasn’t in the mood to talk as I was up about 3 hours earlier than I wanted to be, my hair standing on end, in my sweats, and out in the cold.  Needless to say I was proud to wear my “I VOTED” sticker all day!  I crashed with the boys in the afternoon for close to 3 hours!  LOL   I hope whoever is president knows what he is doing, I worry more now because this will effect my children.  The world is a scary place!

Getting back on the saddle

Hello everyone!

Well, I am finally up and running again after a very long week!  We lost power for about three days (due to 80mph winds), I am busy trying to finally catch up.  We are all sick as a result of the windows being open all that time, and we have been busy trying to replenish our food supply, as we lost both freezers of food and the entire refridgerator of food.  Our next task this weekend will be to cut up our beautiful maple tree that didn’t survive the high winds (I was so looking forward to seeing its leaves change!), and to get my windshield repaired that was cracked by a falling tree while driving!  I am attaching a video of just how crazy it was here, and this is when it was just picking up!

Gift ideas for the boys

I am currently shopping for the boys for their birthdays. They are in need of some new toys to refresh their playroom and new things to stimulate their growing little brains! I wish that more sites would give a comprehensive listing of toys by age and also some sort of review. I have also found that a lot of toys that are meant for a two year old are a little too basic for them. I guess the search continues. Eight more days till my babies turn two….*cry*

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