CPSC Grants One Year Stay of Testing and Certification Requirements for Certain Products
WASHINGTON, D.C. -
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission voted unanimously (2-0) to issue a one year stay of enforcement for certain testing and certification requirements for manufacturers and importers of regulated products, including products intended for children 12 years old and younger. These requirements are part of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), which added certification and testing requirements for all products subject to CPSC standards or bans.
Significant to makers of children’s products, the vote by the Commission provides limited relief from the testing and certification requirements which go into effect on February 10, 2009 for new total lead content limits (600 ppm), phthalates limits for certain products (1000 ppm), and mandatory toy standards, among other things. Manufacturers and importers – large and small – of children’s products will not need to test or certify to these new requirements, but will need to meet the lead and phthalates limits, mandatory toy standards and other requirements.
The decision by the Commission gives the staff more time to finalize four proposed rules which could relieve certain materials and products from lead testing and to issue more guidance on when testing is required and how it is to be conducted.
The stay will remain in effect until February 10, 2010, at which time a Commission vote will be taken to terminate the stay.
The stay does not apply to:
Four requirements for third-party testing and certification of certain children’s products subject to:
The ban on lead in paint and other surface coatings effective for products made after December 21, 2008;
The standards for full-size and non full-size cribs and pacifiers effective for products made after January 20, 2009;
The ban on small parts effective for products made after February 15, 2009; and
The limits on lead content of metal components of children’s jewelry effective for products made after March 23, 2009.
Certification requirements applicable to ATV’s manufactured after April 13, 2009.
Pre-CPSIA testing and certification requirements, including for: automatic residential garage door openers, bike helmets, candles with metal core wicks, lawnmowers, lighters, mattresses, and swimming pool slides; and
Pool drain cover requirements of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act.
The stay of enforcement provides some temporary, limited relief to the crafters, children’s garment manufacturers and toy makers who had been subject to the testing and certification required under the CPSIA. These businesses will not need to issue certificates based on testing of their products until additional decisions are issued by the Commission. However, all businesses, including, but not limited to, handmade toy and apparel makers, crafters and home-based small businesses, must still be sure that their products conform to all safety standards and similar requirements, including the lead and phthalates provisions of the CPSIA.
Handmade garment makers are cautioned to know whether the zippers, buttons and other fasteners they are using contain lead. Likewise, handmade toy manufacturers need to know whether their products, if using plastic or soft flexible vinyl, contain phthalates.
The stay of enforcement on testing and certification does not address thrift and second hand stores and small retailers because they are not required to test and certify products under the CPSIA. The products they sell, including those in inventory on February 10, 2009, must not contain more than 600 ppm lead in any accessible part. The Commission is aware that it is difficult to know whether a product meets the lead standard without testing and has issued guidance for these companies that can be found on our web site.
The Commission trusts that State Attorneys General will respect the Commission's judgment that it is necessary to stay certain testing and certification requirements and will focus their own enforcement efforts on other provisions of the law, e.g. the sale of recalled products.
AMEN AMEN AMEN - Hopefully they will use this one-year stay to figure out how to fix their law!!!!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
I laughed out loud!
I was sitting here watching TV, surfing the web, like I usually do after the kids are put into bed.
I clicked on a story on Yahoo News and laughed out loud. Here's the part of the story that was so hilarious:
New Zealand inmate stroll stopped by pole
It was less than a Great Escape. Two New Zealand prisoners who were handcuffed together as they fled a courthouse foiled their own getaway when they ran to opposite sides of a light pole, slammed into each other and fell to the ground. Jailers nabbed them as they struggled to their feet.
It sounds like something from the Apple Dumpling Gang! I can just picture it! And I'm making myself laugh, again. Tears. Oh Boy!
I clicked on a story on Yahoo News and laughed out loud. Here's the part of the story that was so hilarious:
New Zealand inmate stroll stopped by pole
It was less than a Great Escape. Two New Zealand prisoners who were handcuffed together as they fled a courthouse foiled their own getaway when they ran to opposite sides of a light pole, slammed into each other and fell to the ground. Jailers nabbed them as they struggled to their feet.
It sounds like something from the Apple Dumpling Gang! I can just picture it! And I'm making myself laugh, again. Tears. Oh Boy!
A Sample of our Weather
I was standing on the porch in only short sleeves, jeans and slip on shoes to film this. Needless to say, I was quite cold by the time I came in. The pine trees are permanently crooked from the wind.
There used to be a third tree, but it fell on our house before Little Boy was born following a lot of rain and terrible wind. Of course it happened on a Sunday morning, and I was standing by the window when it fell. Thankfully, it didn't do very much damage. I'll have to see if I can find pictures of it.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Are we really being protected?
As of February 10, 2009, a new law will be in effect to protect our children from lead and phosphates in products we buy for them.
H.R.4040
Title: To establish consumer product safety standards and other safety requirements for children's products and to reauthorize and modernize the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Off the top, this sounds like our government has finally listened to concerned consumers. We are tired of toys made in foreign countries that contain lead and other dangerous chemicals being marketed to our children. In reality, our government has created a huge mess. Once again, Congress has jumped on a band wagon without carefully researching out the far-reaching implications.
According to an article in the Washington Post, manufacturers will be required to pay independent laboratories to test every component of a product to ensure the toy meets new standards for lead and for six other chemicals found in plastic toys. But the law also applies to all toys.
This law doesn’t end there. It applies to homemade items. If you make a craft for children ages 12 and under, you cannot legally sell it at a craft fair unless you have every component of each different type of item tested. Even if you use the same materials for the 30 different things that you sell, every component of all 30 have to be individually tested as a completed item, regardless of whether those materials have passed testing by other agencies or other manufacturers.
Happy Panda Baby, an online boutique for baby clothing, recently priced some testing for a baby bib they make and sell. They were given a quote from an accredited testing lab of $700. That test would need to be done on each color or style bib they make with that specific dye lot of fabric in order for them to state their products are certified.
According to the actual scope and wording of this bill (H.R.4040), as of Feb. 10, 2009, all products made and/or marketed to children under the age of 12 will have to comply with mandatory lead and phosphate testing for each component of each finished product they sell or face felony charges and hefty fines. They can then certify that their products are in compliance.
That means each part of each size and style has to be tested (fabric, thread, elastic, closures, wood, nails, screws, paint, etc.). And when you use up the materials you paid to have tested, and you buy a new supply, you have to have them tested, too. You cannot sell your item on ebay. You cannot sell it through an Etsy shop online. You cannot sell it to a next-door neighbor. The way the law is written, you cannot give it away without liability.
Maybe you don’t make a craft. Do you buy books for kids? Do you go to the library? New books for children will not be exempt from this law – including text books and library books. The cost of children’s books is about to skyrocket. Book manufacturers will have to test the paper products, the plastic dust jackets, the ink, and any other item attached to the book!
Oh, and it doesn’t end there. This law is retroactive. It applies to new children’s items that were made prior to the February 10 deadline. An amendment was made to partially exclude resale items. Resellers do not have to pay to have children’s items tested, but resellers cannot sell children’s items that exceed the lead or phosphates limits. If resale products are in violation of the new limits, the reseller could face civil and/or criminal penalties.
This bill includes a ban of resale items that have been recalled. (www.cpsc.gov) Rummage sales, consignment shops, Goodwill Stores, collectibles. The reseller is responsible to research whether or not the exact item’s model number is subject to a recall or safety alert.
This part of the law applies specifically to any “durable infant or toddler product”. Cribs, playpens, high chairs, tubs, carriers, strollers, swings, walkers… These products must meet a strict code. Well, that’s a good thing, right? This applies to manufacturers, distributors, child care facilities, family child care homes, stores, and anyone who owns a public place that accommodates children (restaurants and hotels, for example) What about churches? It will be a violation of the Public Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2068(a)(1)) for any person to which this subsection applies to manufacture, sell, contract to sell or resell, lease, sublet, offer, provide for use, or otherwise place in the stream of commerce a crib that is not in compliance.
The bill allows $118M for the H.R. 4040 Commission to implement the law. Per year. Plus another $1.2M in travel expenses. So they can find businesses and people who are not in compliance. And when they find a violation, the least fine allowed is $100,000. The highest fine? $15M. And then there’s the felony charges. All to protect you from that homemade bib or wooden high chair.
There is a huge grassroots effort to convince lawmakers to scrap this bill and write a bill that will protect our children without forcing a police-state on crafters, resellers and consumers.
If you are impacted in any way by this ridiculous law, I would urge you to contact your Senators and Representatives. I have written to to my representative and senator, but it appears the ramifications on our local economy may be lost on Washington.
I just want to make my little crafts and save up money for our Disney trip a couple years down the road. I feel so safe. HA
H.R.4040
Title: To establish consumer product safety standards and other safety requirements for children's products and to reauthorize and modernize the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Off the top, this sounds like our government has finally listened to concerned consumers. We are tired of toys made in foreign countries that contain lead and other dangerous chemicals being marketed to our children. In reality, our government has created a huge mess. Once again, Congress has jumped on a band wagon without carefully researching out the far-reaching implications.
According to an article in the Washington Post, manufacturers will be required to pay independent laboratories to test every component of a product to ensure the toy meets new standards for lead and for six other chemicals found in plastic toys. But the law also applies to all toys.
This law doesn’t end there. It applies to homemade items. If you make a craft for children ages 12 and under, you cannot legally sell it at a craft fair unless you have every component of each different type of item tested. Even if you use the same materials for the 30 different things that you sell, every component of all 30 have to be individually tested as a completed item, regardless of whether those materials have passed testing by other agencies or other manufacturers.
Happy Panda Baby, an online boutique for baby clothing, recently priced some testing for a baby bib they make and sell. They were given a quote from an accredited testing lab of $700. That test would need to be done on each color or style bib they make with that specific dye lot of fabric in order for them to state their products are certified.
According to the actual scope and wording of this bill (H.R.4040), as of Feb. 10, 2009, all products made and/or marketed to children under the age of 12 will have to comply with mandatory lead and phosphate testing for each component of each finished product they sell or face felony charges and hefty fines. They can then certify that their products are in compliance.
That means each part of each size and style has to be tested (fabric, thread, elastic, closures, wood, nails, screws, paint, etc.). And when you use up the materials you paid to have tested, and you buy a new supply, you have to have them tested, too. You cannot sell your item on ebay. You cannot sell it through an Etsy shop online. You cannot sell it to a next-door neighbor. The way the law is written, you cannot give it away without liability.
Maybe you don’t make a craft. Do you buy books for kids? Do you go to the library? New books for children will not be exempt from this law – including text books and library books. The cost of children’s books is about to skyrocket. Book manufacturers will have to test the paper products, the plastic dust jackets, the ink, and any other item attached to the book!
Oh, and it doesn’t end there. This law is retroactive. It applies to new children’s items that were made prior to the February 10 deadline. An amendment was made to partially exclude resale items. Resellers do not have to pay to have children’s items tested, but resellers cannot sell children’s items that exceed the lead or phosphates limits. If resale products are in violation of the new limits, the reseller could face civil and/or criminal penalties.
This bill includes a ban of resale items that have been recalled. (www.cpsc.gov) Rummage sales, consignment shops, Goodwill Stores, collectibles. The reseller is responsible to research whether or not the exact item’s model number is subject to a recall or safety alert.
This part of the law applies specifically to any “durable infant or toddler product”. Cribs, playpens, high chairs, tubs, carriers, strollers, swings, walkers… These products must meet a strict code. Well, that’s a good thing, right? This applies to manufacturers, distributors, child care facilities, family child care homes, stores, and anyone who owns a public place that accommodates children (restaurants and hotels, for example) What about churches? It will be a violation of the Public Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2068(a)(1)) for any person to which this subsection applies to manufacture, sell, contract to sell or resell, lease, sublet, offer, provide for use, or otherwise place in the stream of commerce a crib that is not in compliance.
The bill allows $118M for the H.R. 4040 Commission to implement the law. Per year. Plus another $1.2M in travel expenses. So they can find businesses and people who are not in compliance. And when they find a violation, the least fine allowed is $100,000. The highest fine? $15M. And then there’s the felony charges. All to protect you from that homemade bib or wooden high chair.
There is a huge grassroots effort to convince lawmakers to scrap this bill and write a bill that will protect our children without forcing a police-state on crafters, resellers and consumers.
If you are impacted in any way by this ridiculous law, I would urge you to contact your Senators and Representatives. I have written to to my representative and senator, but it appears the ramifications on our local economy may be lost on Washington.
I just want to make my little crafts and save up money for our Disney trip a couple years down the road. I feel so safe. HA
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Weather is relative
I grew up in Northern Wisconsin. I can barely recall a couple days when we did not go to school in the winter. I remember one day Dad started taking us, but the roads were treacherous, and we had to go back home. It made me angry that the day was counted as an unexcused absence.
I went to college at Northland Baptist Bible College, and I remember a couple times when classes were cancelled because it was too cold to schlepp from the library across the field to the gym. We sure bundled up then - looooong skirts, looooong coats, and when it was very cold, we wore tall boots. There were a couple girls who wore long underwear under their long skirts and tall boots.
I lived in North-Central Indiana for four years, then off to Chicago-land for 3 years, Grant Park, IL for a year, and then I moved back to Green Bay for a couple years. In all those places, there were rare days when school was called off - like the ice storm we had in Indiana in 1991, I think? There was Christmas of 1992 or 3 when vacation was extended a week. But usually, we managed.
I moved to Maryland in February of 2000. We were married in August, and two days after we returned from our wonderful honeymoon in St. Ignace, MI, I started teaching. I dare say, there are more snow days here each year than many years put together in the past. We have fog delays, and the first year here, we had wind delays. Because the winds exceeded 50 mph, the buses couldn't safely travel on the roads. Now, there can be a skiff of snow on the roads, and school gets let out early. And even when we do get accumulations, and school is called off, we can drive down our "hill" (it's a small mountain) into town, and the roads can be clear.
If we drive up the mountain to the lake, (yes, I said up the mountain to the lake) the snow gets much deeper there. And people talk about how "bad" it is. But it's still nothing compared to the accumulation we had growing up. I remember one year in fourth grade when the snow along the road was almost up to the electric wires. And in high school when the snow drifts covered the front of the Kmart store and they had to dig a tunnel to get the doors open.
So, as I sit here listening to the sleet hit the oven hood vent, I am sure there will be at least a delay tomorrow. And I understand it, but really... It's all relative.
I went to college at Northland Baptist Bible College, and I remember a couple times when classes were cancelled because it was too cold to schlepp from the library across the field to the gym. We sure bundled up then - looooong skirts, looooong coats, and when it was very cold, we wore tall boots. There were a couple girls who wore long underwear under their long skirts and tall boots.
I lived in North-Central Indiana for four years, then off to Chicago-land for 3 years, Grant Park, IL for a year, and then I moved back to Green Bay for a couple years. In all those places, there were rare days when school was called off - like the ice storm we had in Indiana in 1991, I think? There was Christmas of 1992 or 3 when vacation was extended a week. But usually, we managed.
I moved to Maryland in February of 2000. We were married in August, and two days after we returned from our wonderful honeymoon in St. Ignace, MI, I started teaching. I dare say, there are more snow days here each year than many years put together in the past. We have fog delays, and the first year here, we had wind delays. Because the winds exceeded 50 mph, the buses couldn't safely travel on the roads. Now, there can be a skiff of snow on the roads, and school gets let out early. And even when we do get accumulations, and school is called off, we can drive down our "hill" (it's a small mountain) into town, and the roads can be clear.
If we drive up the mountain to the lake, (yes, I said up the mountain to the lake) the snow gets much deeper there. And people talk about how "bad" it is. But it's still nothing compared to the accumulation we had growing up. I remember one year in fourth grade when the snow along the road was almost up to the electric wires. And in high school when the snow drifts covered the front of the Kmart store and they had to dig a tunnel to get the doors open.
So, as I sit here listening to the sleet hit the oven hood vent, I am sure there will be at least a delay tomorrow. And I understand it, but really... It's all relative.
Sick, Sick, Sick
Fox News reports: "TOKYO — Seven diners in northern Japan fell ill and three remained hospitalized Tuesday after eating blowfish testicles prepared in a restaurant not authorized to serve the poisonous delicacy."
A couple thoughts. First - there are much larger parts of goldfish than the parts these idiots were eating. Second - anyone who eats food that is potentially life-threatening, and then gets sick, shouldn't be surprised. Third - anyone who thinks eating reproductive parts is a delicacy is sick already. Ewww.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Sometimes my blond roots show themselves
So today I made three trips to "town" to go to the store. Trip #1 - I made it as far as McDs, where I was going to stop to get a soda and realized my wallet was still in the diaper bag from yesterday. Just glad there was enough gas to get me home. Trip #2 - filled up with gas and made it to WalMart. Got home and DH asked, "Where are the batteries?" Uuuggghhhh. Trip #3 - went to the grocery store and picked up batteries, band-aids and donuts for breakfast. I think I got everything.
We watched home movies tonight. Baby goes nuts when she sees herself. I really need to tape the kids. I forgot how dutchy Little Boy talked as a 2 year old. We got to see Baby eating her first cereal and her first veggies. Same reaction both times. And we got to see two instances where I put the camera down and it was still on which led to a bunch of wasted tape. Grr.
Poor Sweetie. He was so tired tonight, and had to go in for last shift. I should get to bed, because I won't get to sleep in tomorrow.
Tonight is Little Boy's first night with his alarm. Let's pray it works and we can work our way out of wetting the bed. He just sleeps so soundly. Kinda like me, but I don't wet the bed. Really.
We watched home movies tonight. Baby goes nuts when she sees herself. I really need to tape the kids. I forgot how dutchy Little Boy talked as a 2 year old. We got to see Baby eating her first cereal and her first veggies. Same reaction both times. And we got to see two instances where I put the camera down and it was still on which led to a bunch of wasted tape. Grr.
Poor Sweetie. He was so tired tonight, and had to go in for last shift. I should get to bed, because I won't get to sleep in tomorrow.
Tonight is Little Boy's first night with his alarm. Let's pray it works and we can work our way out of wetting the bed. He just sleeps so soundly. Kinda like me, but I don't wet the bed. Really.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Haircuts and Ice Cream
Baby and Mommy had hair appts. today; Little Boy came along for the ice cream. :0) We went to DQ for lunch, and the kids had their little helpings of ice cream. By the time we left, they were tired and I was frazzled. I turned on the A/C full blast toward the end of our trip home; there was NO WAY I was letting them fall asleep in the car. I had my collar pulled up around my neck and all the vents aimed at the back. I guess it worked.
We got home and within 5 minutes I had them tucked into bed. I have to say, I am much quicker at getting kids in bed than DH. I should have taken the opportunity to take a quick snooze myself, but I talked to my friend Tammy for an hour. I sure miss her. We hadn't talked since, let's see. Tuesday! LOL
It's jammie time and the wild animals are attacking Daddy. This is why bedtime drags on so late. Time to ring the bell.
We got home and within 5 minutes I had them tucked into bed. I have to say, I am much quicker at getting kids in bed than DH. I should have taken the opportunity to take a quick snooze myself, but I talked to my friend Tammy for an hour. I sure miss her. We hadn't talked since, let's see. Tuesday! LOL
It's jammie time and the wild animals are attacking Daddy. This is why bedtime drags on so late. Time to ring the bell.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Barfing Beauty strikes again
What can I say. I rushed around this morning, looking at the time every couple seconds to see if I could beat the clock. I got both kids dressed and settled in the living room to watch a cartoon while I washed, dried and curled my hair, put on makeup, and threw on some clean clothes. 15 minutes. Not bad.
So I sent Little Boy to G&Gs next door and Baby and I flew down the road. I had to stop to get gas and I thought we were on our way, but I had to stop and close the gas cap and cover. Oops. And then I got onto the freeway and HAD NO WIPER FLUID! Apparently, the line or the nozzles were frozen. It was baaaad. I had to stop and pour bottled water on the windshield and when that was gone, I had to scoop icky dirty snow and use that. And it was cold and windy going over the Eastern Continental Divide. I finally stopped at a gas station once we got off the freeway and washed the windshield. And didn't buy gas. Is that bad? I don't know.
I called the Eye Clinic to let them know we were going to be 15 min. or so late. They said we'd be fine. Sure. Fine. I pulled into the lot, got our parking tag and just as I was pulling into a parking spot, it happened. She barfed. Repeatedly. I redialed the clinic and explained we would not be coming in. The lady - bless her - asked if I could clean her up and bring her in. I sadly laughed. She said the next open appt. was April 20-something. I was succumbing to the fumes. I didn't know what to do. Until I got out and opened up Baby's door. Nope. NOT going in. It was worse than baaaaad.
I got her out, took off her coat, cleaned her off a bit and sat her on the other side of the back seat. Poor Boo. She was crying and I wanted to cry. I got the huge stash of napkins I keep in the glove compartment, all the wipies from her diaper bag and the last little splash of bottled water and did what I could. I had her sit on her coat and we went in search of a store. I found a dollar store - so thankful for them - and found her a new shirt/pant outfit, a fleece lined pant outfit so she'd have a semblance of a coat, new socks and new shoes. 2 sizes too large, but they only had two sizes left - one too small and the ones that were too big. Oh well. We paid and then I changed her in their bathroom - put the barfy clothes in a plastic bag, and went out to the car. I had bought Clorox wipes and paper towels, and did the best I could. I bought her a drink bottle and put some Coke in it. Really seemed to help her tummy.
I called the doctor's office to see if they could squeeze us in. Nope. But our doctor did say she'd move some of her clinicals around and get us in soon. Great. Another trip. Baby cried. But I could tell she was feeling better and we went to Sam's. On a positive note - the windshield fluid started working.
A couple hundred dollars later, and we were on our way home. I stopped to get some food for me and gave Baby a baggie with Cheerios in it and some more Coke. We had to take the long way home (added about 45 min.) to pick up gourmet cat food. Dumb cat. Long story short - Jack's sister Shadow had severe food allergies - couldn't eat any cat food with chicken by-products so I fed them both the same thing. Shadow has since died, but since Jack has been eating that food for 8 years, the vet recommends we not change his food. It has to be purchased through a vet and the closest vet who carries it in stock is 45 min. away. And it's expensive. So today his royal highness will be eating Rabbit and green pea pate.
We got home and I took Baby's clothes off her - I am sure they smelled like barf. I got her settled and it was back to the garage to clean up the car. I ended up dismantling her car seat to get to all the belts. And I removed the seat cover and threw it, the belts and all Baby's clothes in for a couple cycles.
I have to say, I think I earned a gold star for the day. DH's comment? "You didn't go in?!"
I might have to barf on his shoes.
So I sent Little Boy to G&Gs next door and Baby and I flew down the road. I had to stop to get gas and I thought we were on our way, but I had to stop and close the gas cap and cover. Oops. And then I got onto the freeway and HAD NO WIPER FLUID! Apparently, the line or the nozzles were frozen. It was baaaad. I had to stop and pour bottled water on the windshield and when that was gone, I had to scoop icky dirty snow and use that. And it was cold and windy going over the Eastern Continental Divide. I finally stopped at a gas station once we got off the freeway and washed the windshield. And didn't buy gas. Is that bad? I don't know.
I called the Eye Clinic to let them know we were going to be 15 min. or so late. They said we'd be fine. Sure. Fine. I pulled into the lot, got our parking tag and just as I was pulling into a parking spot, it happened. She barfed. Repeatedly. I redialed the clinic and explained we would not be coming in. The lady - bless her - asked if I could clean her up and bring her in. I sadly laughed. She said the next open appt. was April 20-something. I was succumbing to the fumes. I didn't know what to do. Until I got out and opened up Baby's door. Nope. NOT going in. It was worse than baaaaad.
I got her out, took off her coat, cleaned her off a bit and sat her on the other side of the back seat. Poor Boo. She was crying and I wanted to cry. I got the huge stash of napkins I keep in the glove compartment, all the wipies from her diaper bag and the last little splash of bottled water and did what I could. I had her sit on her coat and we went in search of a store. I found a dollar store - so thankful for them - and found her a new shirt/pant outfit, a fleece lined pant outfit so she'd have a semblance of a coat, new socks and new shoes. 2 sizes too large, but they only had two sizes left - one too small and the ones that were too big. Oh well. We paid and then I changed her in their bathroom - put the barfy clothes in a plastic bag, and went out to the car. I had bought Clorox wipes and paper towels, and did the best I could. I bought her a drink bottle and put some Coke in it. Really seemed to help her tummy.
I called the doctor's office to see if they could squeeze us in. Nope. But our doctor did say she'd move some of her clinicals around and get us in soon. Great. Another trip. Baby cried. But I could tell she was feeling better and we went to Sam's. On a positive note - the windshield fluid started working.
A couple hundred dollars later, and we were on our way home. I stopped to get some food for me and gave Baby a baggie with Cheerios in it and some more Coke. We had to take the long way home (added about 45 min.) to pick up gourmet cat food. Dumb cat. Long story short - Jack's sister Shadow had severe food allergies - couldn't eat any cat food with chicken by-products so I fed them both the same thing. Shadow has since died, but since Jack has been eating that food for 8 years, the vet recommends we not change his food. It has to be purchased through a vet and the closest vet who carries it in stock is 45 min. away. And it's expensive. So today his royal highness will be eating Rabbit and green pea pate.
We got home and I took Baby's clothes off her - I am sure they smelled like barf. I got her settled and it was back to the garage to clean up the car. I ended up dismantling her car seat to get to all the belts. And I removed the seat cover and threw it, the belts and all Baby's clothes in for a couple cycles.
I have to say, I think I earned a gold star for the day. DH's comment? "You didn't go in?!"
I might have to barf on his shoes.
We're off to see the Wizard
the wonderful wizard of eyes!
Today is another jaunt to the pediatric eye doctor for Baby. It's been 4 months, I think. And I am pretty certain we'll need to patch again. Her eyes have definitely gotten worse. These trips end up being an all-day affair. But we do get to go to the "big store" - Sam's Club. :0)
Well, I have things to do. I'll post again later.
Today is another jaunt to the pediatric eye doctor for Baby. It's been 4 months, I think. And I am pretty certain we'll need to patch again. Her eyes have definitely gotten worse. These trips end up being an all-day affair. But we do get to go to the "big store" - Sam's Club. :0)
Well, I have things to do. I'll post again later.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
No Obama worship allowed in MY house
Reporters gushing over Obama ad nauseum, mobs of people who have gotten what they wanted, but have no clue what they asked for, the hooplah made over the first half-white president, and just the fact that I'm not always the most gracious loser. All these things have contributed to my not watching the inauguration.
How many days until the next election?
How many days until the next election?
Monday, January 19, 2009
I can say I tried
So I made the bean recipe today. Let's just say the half cup or so of dried beans that are left will look great on some little kid's artwork. The recipe took a lot of standing time, it took a long time to fix (almost 2 hours, I think), and it was just icky.
Little Boy started out with that look. The look that said he was going to cause trouble. I explained that it was something new, and that we were all going to try it for the first time. I fixed a salad to go along. I am sure he enjoyed the salad even more compared to the main course. Baby's first comment was, "Ewww. Yuck." But they both cleared their plates. DH and I took seconds, but I couldn't make myself finish.
I don't think we're really "bean people". DH said he was surprised I even tried it, as much as I despise beans. I guess I was thinking they would be different than say, kidney beans. They are in the respect that the shell is not as thick, and the taste was fairly bland. DH said it wasn't as bad as the Rachel Ray dish. Well, there's a glowing endorsement! LOL.
I told the kids, who started balking a bit toward the end, that it is not a family favorite, and I wouldn't be making it again. Little Boy said, "Ffffssshew". Guess that sums it up for me, too.
Little Boy started out with that look. The look that said he was going to cause trouble. I explained that it was something new, and that we were all going to try it for the first time. I fixed a salad to go along. I am sure he enjoyed the salad even more compared to the main course. Baby's first comment was, "Ewww. Yuck." But they both cleared their plates. DH and I took seconds, but I couldn't make myself finish.
I don't think we're really "bean people". DH said he was surprised I even tried it, as much as I despise beans. I guess I was thinking they would be different than say, kidney beans. They are in the respect that the shell is not as thick, and the taste was fairly bland. DH said it wasn't as bad as the Rachel Ray dish. Well, there's a glowing endorsement! LOL.
I told the kids, who started balking a bit toward the end, that it is not a family favorite, and I wouldn't be making it again. Little Boy said, "Ffffssshew". Guess that sums it up for me, too.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Truth
So recently, I read the following statement:
"...nothing that you read (about us) on the internet or in print is true unless it is approved by us."
This struck me as a very self-absorbed statement. How can a person approve truth? Either it is or it isn't. It's a statement that basically verified the accusations of control and manipulation.
Seriously sounds like something my mother would say.
I've heard this, too: "There's his viewpoint, her viewpoint, and the truth." Isn't that closer to being accurate?
"...nothing that you read (about us) on the internet or in print is true unless it is approved by us."
This struck me as a very self-absorbed statement. How can a person approve truth? Either it is or it isn't. It's a statement that basically verified the accusations of control and manipulation.
Seriously sounds like something my mother would say.
I've heard this, too: "There's his viewpoint, her viewpoint, and the truth." Isn't that closer to being accurate?
Saturday, January 17, 2009
I forgot
So last night I tucked the kids into bed, sat down to watch a couple shows, surfed the net, got ready for bed, talked to DH when he got home from work and crawled into bed. And I forgot to soak the beans. So we'll save them for another day. Not tomorrow, because it's our McD's day. Maybe I'll remember tomorrow night. Oh well.
Friday, January 16, 2009
A New Adventure
So maybe you think this is funny, but I've never cooked dried beans before. I bought a bag of dried cranberry beans. They are so pretty they HAVE to taste better than "regular" dried beans, right?
I'll soak them overnight and make this recipe with them tomorrow:
Ingredients:
2 T Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
¾ lb. Italian Sausage; Sweet
1 medium Yellow Onion; Peeled And Chopped
2 small Carrots; Peeled And Chopped
2 Stalks Celery; Chopped
2 T Fresh Parsley; Finely Chopped
3 Cloves Garlic; Peeled And Minced
2 Sprigs Fresh Oregano
2 c. Dried Cranberry Beans; Soaked Overnight
1 pounds Broccoli Rabe; Peeled And Cut 2"
Salt And Freshly Ground Black Pepper
Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat, add sausage, and cook, browning on all sides, for about 15 minutes. Remove sausage from pan, cut into large pieces, and set aside. 2. Reduce heat to medium-low, add onions and cook until soft, about 20 minutes. Add carrots, celery, and parsley and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes. Add garlic and oregano and cook for 2 minutes more. 3. Return sausage to skillet. Add beans and enough water to cover, about 3 cups. Bring to a boil over high heat, cover, reduce heat to medium-low and cook until beans are just tender, about 40 minutes. Uncover, increase heat to medium-high, and reduce liquid by half, about 10 minutes. Add broccoli rabe, mix well, cover, and cook until rabe is tender, 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then transfer to a large bowl and serve.
Notes: Cranberry beans are usually only found in autumn. If you cook this in another season, you can substitute white beans.
Ok – so I plan to use plain broccoli since I don’t think our store carries broccoli rabe, I’ll use dried parsley and I’ll skip the celery since I don’t have any and didn’t put it on my shopping list for some brain-drained reason. And I bought ground sausage which I’ll have to brown in large chunks. Hopefully, it will still work. Hmm. Maybe I should put this on hold. Any thoughts? Thanks.
I'll soak them overnight and make this recipe with them tomorrow:
Ingredients:
2 T Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
¾ lb. Italian Sausage; Sweet
1 medium Yellow Onion; Peeled And Chopped
2 small Carrots; Peeled And Chopped
2 Stalks Celery; Chopped
2 T Fresh Parsley; Finely Chopped
3 Cloves Garlic; Peeled And Minced
2 Sprigs Fresh Oregano
2 c. Dried Cranberry Beans; Soaked Overnight
1 pounds Broccoli Rabe; Peeled And Cut 2"
Salt And Freshly Ground Black Pepper
Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat, add sausage, and cook, browning on all sides, for about 15 minutes. Remove sausage from pan, cut into large pieces, and set aside. 2. Reduce heat to medium-low, add onions and cook until soft, about 20 minutes. Add carrots, celery, and parsley and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes. Add garlic and oregano and cook for 2 minutes more. 3. Return sausage to skillet. Add beans and enough water to cover, about 3 cups. Bring to a boil over high heat, cover, reduce heat to medium-low and cook until beans are just tender, about 40 minutes. Uncover, increase heat to medium-high, and reduce liquid by half, about 10 minutes. Add broccoli rabe, mix well, cover, and cook until rabe is tender, 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then transfer to a large bowl and serve.
Notes: Cranberry beans are usually only found in autumn. If you cook this in another season, you can substitute white beans.
Ok – so I plan to use plain broccoli since I don’t think our store carries broccoli rabe, I’ll use dried parsley and I’ll skip the celery since I don’t have any and didn’t put it on my shopping list for some brain-drained reason. And I bought ground sausage which I’ll have to brown in large chunks. Hopefully, it will still work. Hmm. Maybe I should put this on hold. Any thoughts? Thanks.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
50 Things
I was recently browsing a blog where a lady listed 100 things about herself. I decided 50 was plenty.
1 I’m not ashamed of my age – 40.
2 I think fresh snow is the most beautiful thing.
3 I love to kiss my children’s feet.
4 I could live on chicken – it’s the most versatile meat.
5 I don’t like chickens. They are stinky, dirty and mean.
6 I used to read a stack of books a week.
7 I am a TV addict. I think it has to do with being TV deprived as a kid.
8 I hate repetitive sounds. My kids can drive me completely nuts.
9 My least favorite song – A Horse With No Name.
10 I don’t have a favorite song.
11 Counted cross stitch makes me angry.
12 The thought of the smell of cigarette smoke makes me nauseous.
13 If I ever go back for more school, it will be for something artsy.
14 I wish I was a lawyer at least once a week.
15 I have 2 friends who don’t irritate me.
16 I jumped off a cliff – 30 feet down into 80 feet of water.
17 I flew to Miami by myself.
18 Complex math makes my head hurt, but I can figure the answer if I have to.
19 I like my middle name.
20 I envy/admire the Amish lifestyle without wanting to experience it.
21 I could cry every time I see an animal that was killed on the road.
22 I love all things peanut butter, but I don’t particularly like peanut butter.
23 I have anger issues.
24 I hate housework.
25 I second-guess everything I do, and analyze everything.
26 I can spot a hypocrite very quickly.
27 I refuse to choose sides – I HATE it when people expect me to.
28 My dad has been gone longer than I knew him. That makes me very sad.
29 I’d love to travel through the United Kingdom.
30 I love Mexican food, but I can’t remember the last time I ate any.
31 I used to think Seafoam green was pretty.
32 I used to draw house plans and ladies’ shoes.
33 I took an aptitude test and was told I should have been a milliner.
34 I hate reptiles.
35 I think birds are evil.
36 My eyes are grey and green.
37 I hate how much I resemble my mother.
38 I talk more than I listen.
39 Loud chewing bothers me. Thanks, Dad.
40 I can be very petty.
41 I remember incidents from when I was only 3.
42 I remember things very vividly – it gets to be draining.
43 I go blank when people ask me my cell phone number.
44 I love Diet Coke, but it doesn’t love me.
45 I used to get hives from eating bacon.
46 Dora the Explorer’s voice is worse than squeaking balloons.
47 I love Easter.
48 I feel like I should be able to fix everything for everyone.
49 I love to be alone, but I hate feeling lonely.
50 I hear harmonies in music even before I “hear” the melody.
Oh - here's 51 Poor grammar is like a rock in my shoe. I cannot ignore it, but I try.
1 I’m not ashamed of my age – 40.
2 I think fresh snow is the most beautiful thing.
3 I love to kiss my children’s feet.
4 I could live on chicken – it’s the most versatile meat.
5 I don’t like chickens. They are stinky, dirty and mean.
6 I used to read a stack of books a week.
7 I am a TV addict. I think it has to do with being TV deprived as a kid.
8 I hate repetitive sounds. My kids can drive me completely nuts.
9 My least favorite song – A Horse With No Name.
10 I don’t have a favorite song.
11 Counted cross stitch makes me angry.
12 The thought of the smell of cigarette smoke makes me nauseous.
13 If I ever go back for more school, it will be for something artsy.
14 I wish I was a lawyer at least once a week.
15 I have 2 friends who don’t irritate me.
16 I jumped off a cliff – 30 feet down into 80 feet of water.
17 I flew to Miami by myself.
18 Complex math makes my head hurt, but I can figure the answer if I have to.
19 I like my middle name.
20 I envy/admire the Amish lifestyle without wanting to experience it.
21 I could cry every time I see an animal that was killed on the road.
22 I love all things peanut butter, but I don’t particularly like peanut butter.
23 I have anger issues.
24 I hate housework.
25 I second-guess everything I do, and analyze everything.
26 I can spot a hypocrite very quickly.
27 I refuse to choose sides – I HATE it when people expect me to.
28 My dad has been gone longer than I knew him. That makes me very sad.
29 I’d love to travel through the United Kingdom.
30 I love Mexican food, but I can’t remember the last time I ate any.
31 I used to think Seafoam green was pretty.
32 I used to draw house plans and ladies’ shoes.
33 I took an aptitude test and was told I should have been a milliner.
34 I hate reptiles.
35 I think birds are evil.
36 My eyes are grey and green.
37 I hate how much I resemble my mother.
38 I talk more than I listen.
39 Loud chewing bothers me. Thanks, Dad.
40 I can be very petty.
41 I remember incidents from when I was only 3.
42 I remember things very vividly – it gets to be draining.
43 I go blank when people ask me my cell phone number.
44 I love Diet Coke, but it doesn’t love me.
45 I used to get hives from eating bacon.
46 Dora the Explorer’s voice is worse than squeaking balloons.
47 I love Easter.
48 I feel like I should be able to fix everything for everyone.
49 I love to be alone, but I hate feeling lonely.
50 I hear harmonies in music even before I “hear” the melody.
Oh - here's 51 Poor grammar is like a rock in my shoe. I cannot ignore it, but I try.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Feeling Blah
So I just can't kick this feeling. I haven't taken my Wellbutrin for ages, and I definitely think now would be a good time to get a refill. I am not interested in finishing anything. Who am I kidding? I'm not even interested in starting anything. I finally did a load of my own clothes because I HAD to. DH has been washing clothes for the kids. I get meals on the table, but when my kids decide it's the worst thing they've ever been fed, it makes it even more difficult to put effort into it. (How dare I put tiny pieces of broccoli into their salads!) DH has also been helping keep the kitchen clean. I guess I did go grocery shopping Saturday. But I felt like I was pushing a cart full of bricks. (No, it wasn't a cruddy cart.)
I hate running into people. "Oh! Hi! How ARE you?" puke puke
I really should get off the computer and finish writing my - ahem, cough, cough -Christmas I mean New Year's cards so I can get them into the mail before February. Sigh.
Blah.
I hate running into people. "Oh! Hi! How ARE you?" puke puke
I really should get off the computer and finish writing my - ahem, cough, cough -
Blah.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Aaarrrrgh! Insurance companies are the worst!
Back in October, my ENT doctor wanted me to get tested for allergies. The doctor's office contacted the insurance company to pre-authorize the charges. They called BCBS two times to make sure it was covered. When the testing was done and they submitted the bill, BCBS denied their payment. So, the office coded it differently, and resubmitted it.
Today the doctor's office called to say that BCBS is still refusing to cover the charges, and the doctor's office will cut the bill in half if we will pay it. I don't know what the other options would be, but does anyone have an extra $500 lying around to pay my bill?
I told the lady that my husband takes care of our bills and insurance stuff, so I'd have to talk to him and get back to her. I could just cry.
Today the doctor's office called to say that BCBS is still refusing to cover the charges, and the doctor's office will cut the bill in half if we will pay it. I don't know what the other options would be, but does anyone have an extra $500 lying around to pay my bill?
I told the lady that my husband takes care of our bills and insurance stuff, so I'd have to talk to him and get back to her. I could just cry.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Friday, January 2, 2009
When God says "no"
I've always known, in theory, that God is a loving Father, even when He doesn't grant our hearts' desires. Now, I think, He shows us even more love by not granting our desires.
As a parent, it is much easier to just give my children what they ask for. But because I love them, I don't give them things that I know will not be good for them down the line.
Recently, God has shown me two clear instances where my heart was broken or I was disappointed and now I am millions of times better off because of it.
I think of other areas in my life where I struggle with being hurt and wondering why things are as they are and I am reminded that God is in control. Maybe some day I will look back and be thankful for those situations, too.
As a parent, it is much easier to just give my children what they ask for. But because I love them, I don't give them things that I know will not be good for them down the line.
Recently, God has shown me two clear instances where my heart was broken or I was disappointed and now I am millions of times better off because of it.
I think of other areas in my life where I struggle with being hurt and wondering why things are as they are and I am reminded that God is in control. Maybe some day I will look back and be thankful for those situations, too.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
It's gonna be a doozie
If this year is anything like this morning, it's going to be a ride. I went 5 rounds with Baby; she dumped out a set of puzzle foam blocks and scattered them all over the dining room floor. When I told her to pick them up before getting out any more toys, she told me, "No. YOU pick them up!"
When I had won the fight, she picked them all up and came and hugged me and apologized all on her own. I made sure she knew what a great job she did picking them up, and she got lots of hugs and kisses.
And now I feel a huge headache coming on. It's a good thing I don't drink.
When I had won the fight, she picked them all up and came and hugged me and apologized all on her own. I made sure she knew what a great job she did picking them up, and she got lots of hugs and kisses.
And now I feel a huge headache coming on. It's a good thing I don't drink.
It's 2009
I do hope it will be a good year. And if I can get back into the swing of things and maybe get back on meds, it will even be a happy one.
DH had to work last shift last night, and my two little people were in bed. I watched the end of a movie and flipped the channel to Fox to watch the ball drop. Then I turned off the TV b/c all the people kissing was making me sick. And I went to bed.
Woo hoo.
DH had to work last shift last night, and my two little people were in bed. I watched the end of a movie and flipped the channel to Fox to watch the ball drop. Then I turned off the TV b/c all the people kissing was making me sick. And I went to bed.
Woo hoo.
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Our Wildlife Neighborhood
Our vacation day at the lake
Throwing rocks
Life at Home
Baby is reading a catalog
Reading can be dangerous
Something reminds me of Witchiepoo
The Cavalry has arrived!
Sunday Morning
You can't wear the helmets