Thursday, November 30, 2006

To all the Kids that Survived


•First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they were pregnant.

•They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can, and didn't get tested for diabetes.

•Then after that trauma, we were put to sleep on our tummies in baby cribs covered with bright colored lead-based paints.

•We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets, not to mention, the risks we took hitchhiking. 

•As infants & children, we would ride in cars with no car seats, booster seats, seat belts or air bags.

•Riding in the back of a pick up on a warm day was always a special treat.

•We drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a bottle. 

•We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and NO ONE actually died from this. 

•We ate cupcakes, white bread and real butter and drank koolade made with sugar, but we weren't overweight because .

•WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING ! 

•We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on. 

•No one was able to reach us all day.  And we were O.K. 

•We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem. 

•We did not have Playstations, Nintendo's, X-boxes, no video games at all, no 150 channels on cable, no video movies or DVD's, no surround-sound or CD's, WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them! 

•We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents. 

•We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever.

•We were given BB guns for our 10th birthdays, made up games with sticks and tennis balls and, although we were told it would happen, we did not put out very many eyes.

•We rode bikes or walked to a fr iend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them! 

•Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that!!

•The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law! 

•These generations have produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors ever!

•The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas.

•We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned HOW TO DEAL WITH IT ALL! 

If YOU are one of them . . . CONGRATULATIONS! 
You might want to share this with others who have had the luck to grow up as kids, before the lawyers and the government regulated so much of our lives for our own good 

And while you are at it, forward it to your kids so they will know how brave (and lucky) their parents were!

From a Mommy at my preschool.
- LT

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Quote of the Day...

The quote of the day is by Jay Leno:

"With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks,"Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?" 

- LT

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Toy recalls Already....

Kids' Choking Hazard: Toy Keys Recalled:
RC2 Brands recalled their toy keys because the tops can crack and expose small parts, posing a choking hazard to children.
Call RC2 Interiors at 888-704-8697 or visit http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07023.html
for more information.

Protect Your Child: Wal-Mart Recalls Minnie Mouse Cardigan Set
Wal-Mart recalled its Minnie Mouse Cardigan Set because, when buttoned, the ribbon woven around the neckline poses a choking hazard.
Call Wal-Mart at 800-925-6278 or visit http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07015.html for more information.

That cpsc.gov site actually has a lot of useful information on recalls. I bookmarked it...

- LT

Friday, November 24, 2006

Save Money on Holiday shopping


Before you buy gifts this year, check out a few comparison-shopping Web sites. They help you learn more about particular products or categories (digital cameras, for example) and can steer you to the lowest prices. Which sites to try? The GH Research Institute tested three -


Each was useful. "Shopwiki.com didn't score as high as its competitors because it sometimes turned up irrelevant search results," says GHRI Engineering Director, Stacy Genovese. "But it did offer useful product information and is worth checking out."

Get more product evaluations from the

Sent in by reader Laura from Seattle!
Enjoy and happy shopping...
- LT

Thursday, November 23, 2006

Happy Thanksgiving Mamas!


Sorry - had to do it! Enjoy your holiday!

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Cranberry Chutney

Now this looks divine! Sent in by reader Sonja from Nashville!

Recipe ingredients

* 1 package (12 ounces) fresh cranberries
* 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
* 1/2 cup sugar
* 1 teaspoon nutmeg
* 1 teaspoon cinnamon
* 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
* 1 teaspoon cumin

Recipe method

* In medium saucepan, over high heat, combine cranberries, vinegar and sugar. Bring to a boil.
* Reduce heat to medium-low and add nutmeg, cinnamon, cayenne and cumin.
* Simmer 20 to 25 minutes or until mixture is very thick, stirring frequently.

Enjoy!

Friday, November 17, 2006

Funny for the Day...

Thursday, November 16, 2006

5-Point Booster Seats ONLY?



I've been shopping for a booster seat for my 3 year old. This video gave me pause. Thoughts?

- LT

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

Kids FREAK OUT for Christmas



I sure as hell hope my kids get this excited over the gifts we got them for Christmas. Hilarious video.
- LT

Monday, November 13, 2006

Procreation Vacations


What a great idea!

- LT

Sunday, November 12, 2006

How Do You Decide Who To Marry?

HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHO TO MARRY?
You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming.
  -- Alan, age 10

No person really decides before they grow up who they're going to marry. God decides it all way before, and you get to find out later who you're stuck with.
-- Kristen, age 10

WHAT IS THE RIGHT AGE TO GET MARRIED?
Twenty-three is the best age because you know the person FOREVER by then.
-- Camille, age 10

HOW CAN A STRANGER TELL IF TWO PEOPLE ARE MARRIED?
You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids.
-- Derrick, age 8

WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR MOM AND DAD HAVE IN COMMON?
Both don't want any more kids.
-- Lori, age 8

WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE DO ON A DATE?
Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to know each other. Even boys have something to say if you listen long enough.
-- Lynnette, age 8 (isn't she a treasure)

On the first date, they just tell each other lies and that usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date.
-- Martin, age 10

WHAT WOULD YOU DO ON A FIRST DATE THAT WAS TURNING SOUR?
I'd run home and play dead. The next day I would call all the newspapers and make sure they wrote about me in all the dead columns.
-- Craig, age 9

WHEN IS IT OKAY TO KISS SOMEONE?
When they're rich.
-- Pam, age 7

The law says you have to be eighteen, so I wouldn't want to mess with that.
- - Curt, age 7

The rule goes like this: If you kiss someone, then you should marry them and have kids with them. It's the right thing to do.
-- Howard, age 8

IS IT BETTER TO BE SINGLE OR MARRIED?
It's better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need someone to clean up after them.
-- Anita, age 9 (bless you child)

HOW WOULD THE WORLD BE DIFFERENT IF PEOPLE DIDN'T GET MARRIED?
There sure would be a lot of kids to explain, wouldn't there?
-- Kelvin, age 8

And the #1 Favorite is........
HOW WOULD YOU MAKE A MARRIAGE WORK?
Tell your wife that she looks pretty, even if she looks like a truck.
-- Ricky, age 10

- LT

Friday, November 10, 2006

Fun With the Kids

In the interest of the article posted below...

Here are some
And here are some
Go play with your kids today!

- LT

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

Women Vs. Men Body Image

So True - don't you think?

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

PLEASE GET OUT AND VOTE TODAY!


It's so important to make your voice heard for us NOW and to preserve our world for our kids FOR THE FUTURE. Just in case you are having trouble finding your polling place -

Monday, November 06, 2006

Toddler Booster Seats

I am shopping for a booster seat for Lulu who is now almost 3 1/2 and weighs 30 lbs...There are so many choices out there AND it can all be so confusing! Here are some tips I came across that may be helpful!

When do you use a booster seat?
After your child outgrows the child safety seat. Once your child reaches the weight limit for their convertible seat and they are at least 35 inches tall (generally around age 4), they are ready for a booster seat. I am switching my Lulu to a booster becaause my baby boy is almost big enough to transition from the infant seat to the next size up! Children who have outgrown child safety seats should be properly restrained in booster seats until they are at least 8 years old, unless they are 4’9” tall.

Why We Use Booster Seats?
Safety belts are not designed for children. Beginning at around age 3 1/2- 4, many children are too large for toddler seats but too small for adult safety belts. A booster seat raises your child up so that the safety belt fits right – and can better protect your child. The shoulder belt should cross the child’s chest and rest snugly on the shoulder, and the lap belt should rest low across the pelvis or hip area – never across the stomach area.

In the event of a crash, the poor positioning of a seat belt can cause a child severe or even fatal injuries. The main purpose of a booster seat is to allow proper belt positioning for children. The lap belt should rest low across the upper thighs and the shoulder belt should fit snug on the shoulder and across the chest. A booster seat raises your child and guides the belt to achieve this fit.

Types Of Booster Seats

High-Back Belt-Positioning Booster Seats
Two types of high-back belt-positioning booster seats are available. Both types “boost” your child up so the vehicle safety belt fits better.

- One type provides head and neck support for your child if your vehicle seat back does not have a head rest. It must be used with the vehicle’s lap/shoulder belt, never with the lap belt only.
- The other, a combination seat, converts from a forward-facing toddler seat to a booster seat and comes equipped with a harness. This type can be used as a forward-facing toddler seat when your child is age 1 and at least 20 pounds to about age 4 and 40 pounds. When your child outgrows the toddler seat, remove the harness and use the seat as a booster seat with the vehicle’s lap/shoulder belt.

No-Back Belt-Positioning Booster Seat
- This type also “boosts” your child up so the vehicle safety belt fits better. This booster seat is used with a lap/shoulder belt. It should only be used in vehicles with built-in head rests.

While the law no longer requires them to be in a child safety seat once they weigh more than 40 pounds, we strongly recommend the use of booster seats and safety tests provide strong arguments to support our recommendation. Vehicle seat belts are not designed with children eight and under in mind and therefore young children are often improperly buckled in the back seat.

The first is a toddler/booster seat with a removable harness is used with the harness for children weighing between 30 to 40 pounds. Once they reach 40 pounds the harness is removed and the booster is used in conjunction with the vehicle seat belts to ensure proper belt positioning. The second type of booster is just a belt positioner that raises a child up so that the belt fits correctly.

What Booster seat should I buy?
The type of booster seat you purchase depends on your general needs. If you need to take your child out of their convertible seat because the weight limit for forward facing use is 30 pounds, you will need a toddler/booster seat to fill in that gap until they reach 40 pounds. If your child still fits in their convertible seat until they reach 40 pounds and the product manufacturer allows it's use forward facing to 40 pounds then you can go straight into a booster seat (which is usually less expensive).

Safety Tips for Booster Seats
The shoulder belt should never be placed behind a child’s back or under the arm. If this is done, your child could be seriously injured or killed in a crash.

Because many State laws only require children to be in a safety seat up to age 4 or so, many parents assume older kids are safe in just an adult safety belt. However, ALL children need to be restrained correctly whenever they ride in a motor vehicle – every trip, every time.

LASTLY- It is ALWAYS a good idea to check ratings on child safety items before buying them. Consumer Reports is a really great source for this. For insance today I learned that Combi seats were recalled because the straps break easily....Wouldn't want your child to go flying in the event of an accident!

AND in case you are wondering I am leaning towards the Compass booster seat- They FOLD UP which is pretty cool and makes for easier traveling, switching between cars or putting in the trunk etc. I also like the fabric choices!

SBH

Sunday, November 05, 2006

Postpartum Fat

What better thing to do on a Sunday night then google "Postpartum pannus stomach fat"? I think pretty much every mom I know has some issues with their post baby body. I know I do. I have a hard time wearing my extra rolls as badges of honor. I just remember the days of baby tees, belly button ring and my flat tummy and dammit I want it back. I miss my size 6's and for reasons I should seek therapy for, I keep most of those clothes that I haven't been able to fit into for almost 4 years.
Despite my obvious vanity problems, I came across this blog that I thought was rather extraordinary in its honesty. These woman are to be commended.
http://shapeofamother.blogspot.com/2006_07_01_shapeofamother_archive.html
I feel like I can learn from them. Maybe you will feel the same way!

SBH

Friday, November 03, 2006

Funny for the Day...

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

Happy November - !

Sometimes our posts are having delay - so check back frequently for more holiday activities this month at Mamasnap! We do post every single day...unless we're having an OFF kids day...you know what we mean!

for your own turkeys to color this month!
- LT