Friday, August 31, 2007

Noah had another great day in school!

That makes three days in a row! I am so happy he is doing so well and loves it so much and makes it the entire day and still wants to go back and do everything everyone else is doing!

He seems so incredibly happy.......he is something.

I heard Noah in the other room playing with his trains...and I heard him say "YOU CAN GO ALL GO TO HELL!"

When I asked him what he said he replied "I am only pretending with my trains that they are going to take a trip to hell." He does not realize there is anything inappropriate about that......so I tried explaining it to him. At times when he does things like that it is funny......but also a reminder of how much he does not yet understand or grasp. However......I am also thrilled and so happy and pleased with the progress he is making and how he is changing!

I took him to the park for a picnic after school. The weather has been gorgeous!

Back home for a break....then to grandma C.'s house for a visit.

I LOVE YOU NOAH!!!! YEAH ON your first partial week of school! I am SUPER PROUD of you!

Mommy
XOXOXOX

Dear Noah...

Thursday August 30, 2007 was another successful school day for you!! You have remained very happy and so much more mature and grown up.

Today, Friday August 31, 2007 I dropped you off at school and I sat in the truck and watched you run to the swings and patiently stand in line like a little gentleman....hands behind your back......waiting on a swing to empty. One finally did. You hopped on it......and I watched you struggle to start yourself on the swing....something you are still not yet really great at, lacking some coordination to get pumping and swinging. BUT you have HUGE determination.....and you kept working your arms and legs until you were finally swinging! You prefer this one swing over all the others because it makes a honking/squeaking sound when you are swinging on it.

Then I waited.....the first bell rang. You jumped off the swing and ran with the rest of the kids to get in line to go in.

Today when I dropped you off I gave you a quick hug and kiss and told you I loved you. My kiss was on your neck. You told me that this afternoon when I pick you up from school that I could give you a kiss on the lips! RARE for you!

sigh.....you took cold pizza for lunch today...telling me you were not sure you would like cold pizza. I told you most everyone likes cold pizza and to give it a try!

ALSO....you are training your body to have bowel movements here at home only which is going very very well! You are also being successful at wiping yourself. You woke up at 4:00 a.m. having to go again however....and then got up a little earlier than usual so I was a little leery you might be easier to set off or have a minor temper tantrum today. You told me "mommy....I want to tell you I don't have temper tantrums anymore....that was something I did when I was a baby!"

okay........wow. You are growing up. Maturing.....changing in such positive ways.

And I love you more with each passing day. I am very proud of you Noah....and it will be wonderful to see the amazing young man you will become.

mushy mommy
XOXOXOX

Thursday, August 30, 2007

Dear Noah......a most memorable statement.......

As you climbed into bed on August 29, 2007 and after your prayers....you looked up at me and said "Mommy....I LOVE school!"

I will remember that sentence and night forever. A moment in time I always wanted to experience but had wondered if I ever would. I hope and pray you will be like me and love school and learning forever with each day being more exciting than the previous!

You are so excited about it still. This morning you got up and got ready all by yourself again. I did not have to walk you through any steps on what needed to be done to get ready for the day like I normally do. I mean sometimes it is like pulling teeth to get you to do anything in the morning to start your day. NOW you are just doing it! You got up....got dressed. Brushed your teeth....came in and smiled and said good morning to me. Talked about your day and what you wanted for breakfast.

When we pulled up in front of the school today you told me to NOT walk you up to the school but to just drop you off. I dropped you off...watched you walk to the line where you are supposed to place your backpack in the mornings. I saw you wave to a little boy on the way up.....but even before that you said hello to some girl walking by our truck.

Once inside the playground you waved to your teacher and ran to the swings. THAT is where you stayed till they called everyone to get ready to go in to start your day. You had told me this morning there was a squeaky swing you like best because it makes a sound like a horn when you swing in it. You also said you swung all by yourself and did not need any help....that you used your own legs and arms to pump yourself really high! You were very proud of this.

Today I sat in the parked truck and watched you. I watched you jump OUT of the swing you were in to grab another one.....cause you saw another little boy jump out of a swing. I know I need to let you be but it about made me want to instinctively jump out of the truck and yell to you to NOT do that...so you would not get hurt. Your feet and legs are not that strong...YET. BUT I did not move out of the truck. I know I have to let you try things....this will make you stronger AND me stronger. SO I saw you jump from the swing....and your feet and legs only held you for a bit and you fell onto your butt. You got up and brushed yourself off. In the past if you had gravel on your hands or shorts you would have had a fit. NOW you know it is no big deal and you can just brush it off.

I saw kids darting in between the moving swings. I DO HOPE you never try that as you are not always very coordinated YET and could get kicked in the head!

BUT......it is play time. Natural things most kids do to play. I have to let you do it and I actually encourage it as long as you really work to be careful which I think you would.

I am so happy for you and very proud you are doing so well. I am even more proud of the fact that you have been wiping your own butt after bowel movements. At 8-1/2 years of age that has been the longest thing for you to master and overcome......but you are doing it! I KNOW before the year is out you will be doing it all by yourself all the time!

WOW......so much progress. YOU are quite an amazing little man Noah.

And I love you.....so very much!

Mommy
XOXOXOX

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Dear Noah: First day of school a HUGE success!

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us


You did very very well today in school! SO well in fact that you asked the special teacher if you could please go be with your homeroom class for the day like everyone else. She let you....and you did well in that classroom also. ALL in all you had a great day! I am very proud of you. You surprised all the teachers....and they went on and on about how well you did. You listened well...had good eye contact......asked for help when needed....sat well.....behavior was excellent.

You were very tired when I picked you up....and you got overheated once.....but you did an amazing job. We are training your body to get used to hopefully only having bowel movements here at home. So far so good. BUT I know you will be fine and handle things well even if you have to do that at school as well.

I am thrilled beyond words and so thankful to God for this success. I am so happy you were finally "ready" to take this next big step in your life. The only time you halfway had a moment or cried was at the end of the day when I came to pick you up.....only because you wanted to ride the bus with the rest of the kids instead...and you were upset about that. WOW......just incredible....and so far from where you came.

I love you more than words can say....

mommy

XOXOX

Noah's first day of school......I pray it goes very well...

I am a mixed bag of emotions. I want him to go and experience this and try this again and I want him to be successful. At the same time I will surely miss him because since he has been born except for when he tried public school before and was gone a few hours during the day......Noah has pretty much been around me all the time. He has been my buddy to run around with as well besides working on things here at home. There was incredible comfort in knowing my son was in the next room safe and sound all the time.

Now my mind will be wondering all the time if he is okay or safe or doing well and having fun.

I had no idea how this experience for ME would trigger so many bad memories up from the past when Noah tried a public school before.

I know I need to let it go.....trust in God to take care of him whenever I cannot.....and go with the flow.

So.......today I will be poised and ready.....paddles in hand.

shit.....

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Twas the night before school ....

and I am on an emotional roller coaster. Pass the Valium please?

Noah and I went to the school open house tonight. I have never seen so much disorganization and chaos in one place before! The people were lined op outside all the way around the building just to get in! I felt like I was camping out to get great concert tickets to something fabulous. Noah was just concerned about getting in to check out all the bathrooms!

We finally made it in. We met his teachers.....saw his homeroom and other classrooms....the playground.....the cafeteria.......ALL the bathrooms.......and man was it hot. A sweat-box for sure! Noah's face was beet red in no time. NO AIR conditioning in this school......fans blowing air inside around.....but I am not sure how well Noah will do as yes he is used to being in air conditioning all the time or outside where there is a breeze.

AND......we were originally told Noah would have to wait to start to school next Tuesday.....BUT......tonight we were informed he WILL BE STARTING TOMORROW! YIKES!

I have had I don't know how many episodes where I have spontaneously bawled today before and after the open house.....already thinking about his upcoming school days....because of flashbacks of things that happened in the past with Noah in the public school setting. My mind has been on overtime thinking and I have tried NOT to worry but I do. SO MANY unanswered questions. I don't really know his schedule or much of anything he is going to be doing or when. He will learn as he goes along and I guess I will find out later once we get his IEP and details of his paperwork and plans all worked out.

Inside the school was a man and woman offering boys information on the Boy Scouts......Cub Scouts.....am I the only one who looks at the man dressed in those khaki shorts and wonder if he molests little boys? Is that a natural thought process? (shaking my head).

Noah already met a couple of other boys and is so excited about being able to start school tomorrow when everyone else does. I am happy for him and hopeful it works out very well.....but I am so leery about so much crap still. In his homeroom I noticed some work hanging overhead or on the walls.....all things Noah learned 2 years ago. I do hope he will not get bored and I guess I will continue working with him here at home to help teach him more things ahead of schedule. He is like a big sponge right now soaking up so much information.

Noah will have more than one teacher...at least two......and a HOMEroom.....I hope he gets a good seat beside a fan! He won't be there the first day to pick out his desk....cause he will be in another classroom for the day being tested on stuff.

Anyway.....he is in bed. Willingly went to bed on time to get plenty of sleep for his big day! I have remodeled the school and courtyard and neighborhood at least 20 times since returning home from the open house. I have gone over at least 5 emergency plans and scenarios.....and I am exhausted.

I have to turn this over to God and ask Him to really watch out for my little man and all the other children and teachers during school and after.

Here's to your first day Noah! I will surely miss you during the day while you are gone at school.....but I am also very happy you are finally taking steps out into the big world and enjoying it!!

I love you!

Mommy
XOXOXOX

OH....Noah's one teacher said she has almost all boys this year......few girls. Perhaps that is best! haha.....She said she put the Barbie case away figuring they would not be needing it....and she noticed all the Barbies were naked!

Noah said he wants to marry a girl he meets in school......or Bryanne the neighbor girl.....or his cousin Audrey. I told him he could not marry his cousin Audrey...and why.....though I don't think he understood it all.


***breathe***

for grandpa L....a close-up of my mustache hairs!

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us


check out his eyelashes too!

Monday, August 27, 2007

Getting naked, testing for school, and first haircut.

Dear Noah:

LOTS has happened the past few days in our world. You decided you wanted to go out and play with the little neighbor girls.......so out you went. This was the first time you all had been outside because it has been raining a lot. I helped you set up a tent on your side of the fence and then helped the neighbor girls set up one. I figured once the tents were up you have always played well...I could run to the bathroom and bedroom. I came back out only to find you shirtless, shoeless......AND MINUS pants! Somewhere along the way you had decided it would be nice to apparently strip and walk around our backyard naked. AND it did not stop there. In a matter of less than five minutes you had also talked the 2 little girls into taking their clothes off too!

Oh ...MY.........Shit!

I heard the mother next door yelling for the girls to COME IN.........the tent was taken down very quickly.......the chairs put back......all disappeared. I quickly took care of getting YOU inside and proceeded to tell you all the reasons WHY you should not be walking around naked in the backyard let alone talking anyone else into stripping down with you. Now I know there are men who go their entire lives WISHING they could accomplish the same thing you did in a matter of like five minutes.......but at 8-1/2 .....I think you can wait a little longer! You have made it very clear to me over time how much you LOVE WOMEN however.

I asked you if you all did any touching, hoping I would hear NO... and I was happy to hear you all did NOT do that. I don't know what Mom next door thinks.....part of me does not want to ask. She is probably over there wondering what I think.

Today was testing for school. You did VERY VERY WELL. The school psychologist came out immediately and told me she wanted to let me know I would have nothing to worry about. You were definitely ready for school and would do just fine! NOT in the MD room.......probably not in the "resource room".......but in the regular classroom or in the resource room for a couple classes and the regular room the rest of the time. It all sounds very promising. She was totally impressed with you and came out many times saying how sweet and adorable you were and she loved you already. She also said she was very impressed with your reading abilities and comprehension......and math skills.......and your eye contact and social skills. She said she could tell someone has been working with you a lot.....which of course is me your mommy. BUT she said you SAT the entire time very well........did not need to get up or move around......and it was just a very good experience. Tomorrow night is open house......and she wants to get you started right away in school so it will be the Tuesday AFTER Labor Day. YOU ALSO will eventually be riding the bus after all......so that will be an experience for you as well!

ANOTHER FIRST happened today. Today was the first time you have ever had your hair cut at an actual hair salon. I did not take my camera out today and so many times today I wish I had it with me. I normally take it with me everywhere and now I know why. You climbed up into that hair salon chair.....sat so well....smiling the entire time. She took a long time to cut off all the hair you had as it was soooo long but.. YOU DID SO WELL! You tolerated the entire hair cut....even a shampoo.....and the BUZZING CLIPPERS!!!!! I was thrilled.......and now.........you are even cuter than before and look like such a grown up little man. She cut it like a classic boy hair cut......and we can put styling gel in it and spike it up some if we want or feather it back to the side. By the time we got home today from a long day of running around here is how it looked (you wanted to show all sides and angles so here they are)

BEFOREImage Hosted by ImageShack.us


Image Hosted by ImageShack.us


Image Hosted by ImageShack.us


Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us


Image Hosted by ImageShack.us



I noticed you already have a mustache growing on your upper lip. You have hair growing pretty thick on your legs......little blonde hairs all over.....so cute.

You have said so many amazingly cute and funny things lately. I also heard you VERBALLY tell Marilyn at the hair salon anything you wanted or needed or preferred while she cut or washed your hair. HUGE for you.......to verbally tell someone else what you need without having a hissy fit in the process.

Noah you have made me so proud of you......you my little man are growing into a wonderful young man. I know you will do well. I believe in you and have faith in you and will make sure you do the very best you can in your life.

I love you so very much!

Mommy
XOXOXOX

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

school daze.......

I am shaking my head. My son will have to be tested before entering school this year since he has been homeschooled for a couple of years now and is going to try re-entering the public school system. I am more than a bit apprehensive about that......not so much about his doing well or minding being away from me........but more about what he may NOT learn while there.

PART of the testing would normally consist also of an IQ test. Noah had this done 2 years ago. However....2 years ago he was still not very verbal.....and not able to understand what he obviously does now. He scored in an average range 2 years ago rating superior in a couple of specific areas.

I never like to place much emphasis on results of IQ tests and their scores. However, when I spoke with the school psychologist/principal yesterday.....and she mentioned the fact that he already had been tested and they would NOT do it again (the IQ portion)......I spoke up and said "yes but that was 2 years ago."

She proceeded to tell me that it did not matter......now get this.......that the score would not really ever vary much after 5 years of age!

Has anyone else heard of that? Do you for one minute honestly believe YOUR own IQ score is the same as it was when you were only 5 years old?

I have taken many IQ tests. My score has varied a few times.......depending on how I felt when I took the test. Sometimes I lacked the patience to sit there and answer the questions and I hurried through it and got some answers wrong. Other times I had time and answered most everything correctly and got very high scores which to me makes it seem a bit more conditional.

Anyway......I was just curious if anyone else had heard about an IQ test NOT changing much after you are 5 years old because I for one do NOT believe that and if that is the case why are we bothering to have our children go to school and learn anything the rest of their lives?

sorry.....I already know I have a slightly bad attitued about this and I am being a bit hypocritical because I believe an IQ score means crap....and yet this is bothering me. I guess because they have instantly dismissed my son's potential before he has even started school.....already telling me and sending a message to him.....that he could not possibly have improved in 2 years time.

I am not sure my stomach and fortitude can make it through a public school setting.

Monday, August 20, 2007

County fair.....


Noah and I went to our county fair yesterday in between rain storms. This was the first time he had been to a county fair in a long time....one he could remember anyway.

Together we went through a fun house and I about fell on my butt on the way out......and we played putt putt golf.......saw all the cows, pigs, rabbits, dogs, horses and other animals. We did lots and lots of walking and still missed some areas. We plan on trying to get back there another time or two while it is still around.

Today we went and picked up his new orthotics. To be honest I am not sure these are going to do the trick but we will give them a shot. Next will be some new shoes for more support. We treated ourselves to Cracker Barrel for breakfast....and enjoyed it a lot. We had a good day but very busy one. Noah will be getting a hair cut soon too and school is next week providing all his stuff can be taken care of before then. So we went and did some school supply shopping today. AND I am still going to work with him here at home supplementing his schoolwork. I love to teach and work with Noah and I just feel it is necessary.

I just finished baking him some more gingerbread cookies. I am starting to fizzle out. We have had a very long, busy day running errands and shopping.

SO I will end this here for tonight since I notice I can barely type anything accurately......and write more another time.

I LOVE YOU NOAH!

mommy
XOXOXO




THIS is the EXIT of the Fun House where I just about fell on my butt. I thought it would be no problem walking OUT of this MOVING tunnel....I hit it and it about knocked me on my......well you know.....and then I could barely stand up let alone walk out. I ended up falling out.....onto the woman at the end of the ride who I guess is there to help people out. I felt badly as I got to laughing and she was I think trying NOT to laugh....and I had to put my hands on her knees to get myself out of there. I apologized to her......and felt like a real idiot! haha......BUT Noah and I had a good time anyway. AND no one got hurt.

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Dear Noah: Crossing the fence......

Yep. You went outside yesterday to play with the neighbor girls. I usually am either outside with you or in the kitchen doing things so I can see you in the yard. You have been very good lately though with staying in the yard and doing all the things you are supposed to do......and then there was yesterday.

I had to go back into the bedroom area and the bathroom while you were outside....when I came back to the kitchen and looked out the door.....guess where I found you??

YEAH...NEXT DOOR IN the neighbor's yard with the girls. Oh great....I was going to have to play the BAD ASS MOM role and punish you.....which I hate doing but know it is necessary.

SO I made you get your little ass back on OUR side of the fence.....then proceeded to ask you what you had done. You were bawling and your face was beet red. You were hot and sweaty. You proceeded to tell me that you and the girls thought it would be a great idea for you to go into their yard......so WITHOUT MY permission or their mother's permission......you climbed up and over the fence....and not only was in their yard....but told me you also took a "tour" of the inside of the neighbor's house. I imagine the mother wondered what the crap was going on.

SO.....you did not get to play outside any more yesterday.......and you did not get to go swimming. I talked and talked to you about doing the right things and "LISTENING" and asking permission, safety issues.....so much crap it gave me a headache! You half-heartedly listened....really only more upset you got into trouble and the fun stopped rather than truly understanding the aspects of what you did wrong or how it would make me worry or accidents could happen....etc.

sigh.......we had SEVERE storms last night. They woke me up and then you up. Needless to say you did not really want to spend that time in your bed alone......so I let you come into my room. The storm was really bad and very very loud with lots of lightning and thunder and tons of rain. We love storms but I have to admit I was a bit worried we were going to have a tornado.

I do love you Noah......still.....always.....but I want you to keep a good attitude and frame of mind and I know I am being probably unrealistically hopeful this will continue into preteen and teenage years.......

sigh.....but we will do our best trying!

It did concern me that the little 5-year-old girl understood that I would be worried about you if I looked in the yard and did not see you.....but you still did not quite get that....at 8-1/2 years of age. While I understand that is just how you are made up.....it did little to make me feel any ease about certain social situations in real life.

{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}

Mommy
xoxoxo

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

"IT'S ONLY WATER".....PROGRESS indeed.......

The following is a video clip of Noah playing and splashing in water at C.O.S.I.'s OCEAN area. This is the same little boy......who just 3 years ago.....would scream if he got even ONE DROP of water on his shirt or clothes....and then would have to CHANGE them immediately. This is the same little boy.....who 3 years ago pushed another little boy in kindergarten because that little boy splashed Noah with water at the sinks. Look at him now. LOVING the water.......not being afraid of getting wet. In fact.....loving that too. AND best of all.......not caring if his clothes were wet at all and walking around and continuing on as they dried! I had to laugh the other day when Noah stepped out of the tub and I saw where he had splashed all this water onto the floor. I started to say something about it and he cut me off saying "But Mommy.......it is only water.....it will dry!" Nothing else needed to be said.

Trip to C.O.S.I.

My sister and I took the kids to C.O.S.I. on Monday. We all had a good time...and the kids really had a lot of fun. We all really enjoyed the PROGRESS section where we could step back into time......1950s, 60s, and up to see the progress we have made over time. We all had a ball in the 1950s/60s area. It was so amazing to see all the toys and foods and "things" from that time era.

Here are a few photos:




The kids really loved this 1950s style restaurant where they were allowed to get behind the counter and pretend to WORK there. They never wanted to leave!




AND they moved so fast it was difficult to get a picture of them without it being all blurry!

Another area was the OCEAN area and all the water activities....



MORE RECALLS!

This message consists of the following:

1. Mattel Recalls Batman(tm) and One Piece(tm) Magnetic Action Figure
Sets Due To Magnets Coming Loose
2. Mattel Recalls "Sarge" Die Cast Toy Cars Due To Violation of Lead
Safety Standard
3. Mattel Recalls Barbie and Tanner(tm) Magnetic Toys Due to Magnets
Coming Loose
4. Mattel Recalls Doggie Day Care(tm) Magnetic Toys Due to Magnets
Coming Loose
5. Additional Reports of Magnets Detaching from Polly Pocket Play Sets
Prompts Expanded Recall by Mattel


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

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 14, 2007
Release #07-269

Firm's Recall Hotline: (888) 597-6597
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Mattel Recalls Batman(tm) and One Piece(tm) Magnetic Action Figure Sets
Due To Magnets Coming Loose

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in
cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary
recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using
recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Batman(tm) and One Piece(tm) magnetic action figure
sets

Units: About 345,000

Importer: Mattel Inc., of El Segundo, Calif.

Hazard: Small, powerful magnets inside the accessories of the toy
figures can fall out and be swallowed or aspirated by young children. If
more than one magnet is swallowed, they can attract inside the body and
cause intestinal perforation, infection or blockage which can be fatal.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm is aware of 21 incidents where a magnet
fell out of the toy figure, including a case of a 3-year-old boy who was
found with a magnet in his mouth. The boy did not swallow the magnet and
no injuries have been reported to Mattel and CPSC.

Description: The recalled Batman(tm) toys include:

The Batman(tm) Magna Battle Armor(tm) Batman(tm) figure with model
number J1944,
The Batman(tm) Magna Fight Wing(tm) Batman(tm) figure with model number
J1946,
The Batman(tm) Secret ID(tm) figure with model number J5114, and
The Batman(tm) Flying Fox(tm) figure with model number J5115. The seven
inch tall action figures include the Batman logo on the front and
include magnetic accessories. The model number is located on the lower
right corner of the tag which is sewn to the figure.

The recalled One Piece(tm) toy is:

One Piece(tm) Triple Slash Zolo Roronoa(tm) figure with model number
J4142. The 5 1/2 inch tall action figure has green hair, black pants,
and has magnets in his hands which connect to magnets on various swords
that the figure can hold. The model number is printed on the back of the
action figure's left leg.

Sold at: Discount department stores and toy stores nationwide from June
2006 through June 2007 for about $11.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the toy and contact
Mattel for instructions on how to return it to receive a free
replacement toy.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Mattel toll-free
(888) 597-6597 anytime or visit the firm's Web site at
www.service.mattel.com

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the
recalled products, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07269.html


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


NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 14, 2007
Release #07-270

Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 916-4997
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Mattel Recalls "Sarge" Die Cast Toy Cars Due To Violation of Lead Safety
Standard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in
cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary
recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using
recalled products immediately.

Name of Product: "Sarge" die cast toy cars

Units: About 253,000

Importer: Mattel Inc., of El Segundo, Calif.

Hazard: Surface paints on the toys could contain lead levels in excess
of federal standards. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and
can cause adverse health effects.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recall involves die cast "Sarge" 2 1/2 inch toy cars.
The toy looks like a military jeep and measures about 2 1/2 inches long
by 1 inch high by 1 inch wide. The recalled toy has the markings "7EA"
and "China" on the bottom. The "Sarge" toy car is sold alone or in a
package of two, and may have the product number M1253 (for single cars)
and K5925 (for cars sold as a set) printed on the packaging. The cars
marked "Thailand" are not included in this recall.

Sold at: Retail stores nationwide from May 2007 through August 2007 for
between $7 and $20 (depending on whether they were sold individually or
in sets).

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled toys away from
children and contact Mattel. Consumers will need to return the product
to receive a replacement toy.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Mattel at (800)
916-4997 anytime or visit the firm's Web site at www.service.mattel.com

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including a picture of the
recalled products, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07270.html


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

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 14, 2007
Release #07-271

Firm's Recall Hotline: (888) 597-6597
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Mattel Recalls Barbie and Tanner(tm) Magnetic Toys Due to Magnets Coming
Loose

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in
cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary
recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using
recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Barbie and Tanner(tm) play sets

Units: About 683,000

Importer: Mattel Inc., of El Segundo, Calif.

Hazard: A small magnet inside the "scooper" accessory can come loose.
Magnets found by young children can be swallowed or aspirated. If more
than one magnet is swallowed, the magnets can attract each other and
cause intestinal perforation or blockage, which can be fatal.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received three reports of magnets
coming loose. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recall involves Barbie and Tanner(tm) play sets --
model numbers J9472 and J9560. The toys include a "scooper" accessory
with a magnetic end. Recalled scoopers have a visible, silver-colored,
disc-shaped magnet on the end of the scooper. Scoopers with a white
material covering the magnet and products manufactured after January 31,
2007 are not recalled.

Sold at: Toy stores and various other retailers nationwide May 2006 to
August 2007 for about $16.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled toys away from
children and contact Mattel to receive a free replacement toy.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, call Mattel toll-free at
(888) 597-6597 anytime or visit the firm's Web site at
www.service.mattel.com

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the
recalled products, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07271.html


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


NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 14, 2007
Release #07-272

Firm's Recall Hotline: (888) 597-6597
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Mattel Recalls Doggie Day Care(tm) Magnetic Toys Due to Magnets Coming
Loose

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in
cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary
recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using
recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Doggie Day Care(tm) play sets

Units: About 1 million

Importer: Mattel Inc., of El Segundo, Calif.

Hazard: Small magnets inside the toys can fall out. Magnets found by
young children can be swallowed or aspirated. If more than one magnet is
swallowed, the magnets can attract each other and cause intestinal
perforation or blockage, which can be fatal.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received two reports of magnets coming
loose. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recalled Doggie Day Care play sets have various figures
and accessories that contain small magnets.

Product # and Name
H1532 Doggie Day Care Coco
H1533 Doggie Day Care Sparley
G4461 Doggie Day Care Lula and Baby
G4462 Doggie Day Care Crockett and Baby
G4464 Doggie Day Care Taffy and Baby
G4459 Doggie Day Care Snack Time with Cookie
G4460 Doggie Day Care Diaper Change with Ginger
H1530 Doggie Day Care Ice Cream with Ranger
G9703 Doggie Day Care Puppy Park with Dixie
G4457 Doggie Day Care Dream House Nursery with Honey
G4458 Doggie Day Care Bath Time with Beau

Sold at: Toy stores and various other retailers nationwide from July
2004 to August 2007 for between $4 and $20.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled toys away from
children and contact Mattel to receive a free replacement toy.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, call Mattel toll-free at
(888) 597-6597 anytime or visit the firm's Web site at
www.service.mattel.com

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the
recalled products, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07272.html


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

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 14, 2007
Release #07-273

Firm's Recall Hotline: (888) 597-6597
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Additional Reports of Magnets Detaching from Polly Pocket Play Sets
Prompts Expanded Recall by Mattel

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in
cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary
recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using
recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Products: Various Polly Pocket dolls and accessories with
magnets

Units: About 7.3 million play sets (about 2.4 million play sets were
recalled on November 21, 2006)

Importer: Mattel Inc., of El Segundo, Calif.

Hazard: Small magnets inside the dolls and accessories can come loose.
The magnets can be found by young children and swallowed or aspirated.
If more than one magnet is swallowed, the magnets can attract each other
and cause intestinal perforation or blockage, which can be fatal.

Incidents/Injuries: Since the previous recall announcement, Mattel has
received more than 400 additional reports of magnets coming loose. CPSC
was aware in the first recall announcement of 170 reports of the magnets
coming out of the recalled toys. There had been three reports of serious
injuries to children who swallowed more than one magnet. All three
suffered intestinal perforations that required surgery.

Description: The recalled Polly Pocket play sets contain plastic dolls
and accessories that have small magnets. The magnets measure 1/8 inch in
diameter and are embedded in the hands and feet of some dolls, and in
the plastic clothing, hairpieces and other accessories to help the
pieces attach to the doll or to the doll's house. The model number is
printed on the bottom of the largest pieces on some of the play sets.
Products manufactured after November 1, 2006 and are currently on store
shelves are not included in this recall. Contact Mattel if you cannot
find a model number on your product to determine if it is part of the
recall.

Sold at: Toy stores and various other retailers from May 2003 through
November 2006 for between $15 and $30.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take these recalled toys away from
children and contact Mattel to receive a voucher for a replacement toy
of the customer's choice, up to the value of the returned product.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, call Mattel toll-free at
(888) 597-6597 anytime, or visit the firm's Web site at
www.service.mattel.com

List of Recalled Polly Pocket Magnetic Play Sets and Item Number

Polly Pocket!(tm) Polly Place(tm) Hangin' Out House(tm) Playset B2632
Polly Pocket!(tm) Polly Place(tm) Treetop Clubhouse(tm) Playset B3158
Polly Pocket!(tm) Spa Day(tm) Caboodle Asst. B3201
Polly Pocket!(tm) Polly Place(tm) Gameroom Garage(tm) Playset B3211
Polly Pocket!(tm) Polly Place(tm) Totally Tiki Diner(tm) Playset B7118

Polly Pocket!(tm) Quik-Clik(tm) Boutique G8605
Polly Pocket!(tm) Quik-Clik(tm) City Pretty(tm) Playset (Lila(tm)) H1537

Polly Pocket!(tm) Quik-Clik(tm) Sporty Style(tm) Playset (Lea(tm)) H1538

Polly Pocket!(tm) Quik-Clik(tm) Totally Zen(tm) Playset (Shani(tm))
H3211
Polly Pocket!(tm) Fashion Polly(tm) Happenin' Pet Salon(tm) Playset
55503
Polly Pocket!(tm) Polly Place(tm) Magnetic Additions Assortment B2631
Picture not available
Polly Pocket!(tm) Lunchbox Cafe(tm) Playset B3203
Polly Pocket!(tm) School Time Fun(tm) Playset B3204
Polly Pocket!(tm) Lip Gloss Studio(tm) Playset B3207
Polly Pocket!(tm) Glitter Boutique(tm) Playset B3209
Polly Pocket!(tm) Polly Place(tm) Dip N' Dive Pool(tm) Playset B3210
Polly Pocket!(tm) Birthday Suprise (INTL) B3396
Polly Pocket!(tm) Dazzlin' Pet Show(tm) Divine Dogs(tm) B7078
Polly Pocket!(tm) Dazzlin' Pet Show(tm) Magic Rabbits(tm) B7082
Polly Pocket!(tm) Polly Place(tm) Sweet Treats(tm) Playset B7125
Polly Pocket!(tm) Mailbox Surprise(tm) Playset B7127
Polly Pocket!(tm) Stretch Polly Disco Lamp B7128 Picture not available
Polly Pocket!(tm) Jewlery Box Bedroom(tm) Playset B7129
Polly Pocket!(tm) Polly Place(tm) Party On The Go!(tm) Playset B8478
Polly Pocket!(tm) Spa Day(tm) Playset B9521
Polly Pocket!(tm) Lunchbox Cafe(tm) Playset B9522
Polly Pocket!(tm) School Time Fun(tm) Playset B9523
Polly Pocket!(tm) Glitter Puff B9525
Polly Pocket!(tm) Spa Day(tm) Playset B9578
Polly Pocket!(tm) Boutique On The Go(tm) Playset B9929
Polly Pocket!(tm) Mailbox Surprise(tm) Playset C0504
Polly Pocket!(tm) Jewelry Box Bedroom(tm) Playset C0505
Polly Pocket!(tm) Disco Lamp C1341
Polly Pocket!(tm) Disco Lamp C1342
Polly Pocket!(tm) Mermaid Stars(tm) Playset G8602
Polly Pocket!(tm) Quick Click(tm) Playset G8606 Picture not available
Polly Pocket!(tm) Snow Cool(tm) Hotel Playset G8612
Polly Pocket!(tm) Quik-Clik(tm) House of Style(tm) Playset G8614
Polly Pocket!(tm) Totally Beadiful(tm) Jewelry Maker G8615
Polly Pocket!(tm) Quick Click(tm) Penthouse G8616
Polly Pocket!(tm) Quik-Clik(tm) Movie Time(tm) Playset (Lila(tm)) H1553

Polly Pocket!(tm) Pollywood(tm) Limo-Scene(tm) Vehicle J1659
Polly Pocket!(tm) Pollywood(tm) Dial-A-Style(tm) Lila(tm) Doll J1661
Polly Pocket!(tm) Pollywood(tm) Dial-A-Style(tm) Lea(tm) Doll J1662
Polly Pocket!(tm) Stickin' 2 Style(tm) Doll J1670
Polly Pocket!(tm) Pollyworld(tm) Rockin' Theme Park(tm) Playset J1681
Polly Pocket!(tm) Pollyworld(tm) Dress N' Drive(tm) Lounge Playset J1687

Polly Pocket!(tm) Pollyworld(tm) Theme Park Party(tm) Quick Clik(tm)
Doll and Fashions J1695
Polly Pocket!(tm) Pollyworld(tm) Quick Clik(tm) Polly(tm) Doll J4169
Polly Pocket!(tm) Pollyworld(tm) Quick Clik(tm) Crissy(tm) Doll J4170
Polly Pocket!(tm) Pollyworld(tm) Quick Clik(tm) Lea(tm) Doll J4171
Polly Pocket!(tm) Pollyworld(tm) Quick Clik(tm) Shanil(tm) Doll J4172
Polly Pocket!(tm) Pollyworld(tm) Costume Cart (Lea(tm)) Playset J9305
Polly Pocket!(tm) Pollyworld(tm) Gift Shop (Lila(tm)) Playset J9306
Polly Pocket!(tm) Twirl & Swirl(tm) Beauty Case J9648
Polly Pocket!(tm) Pollyworld(tm) Dial-A Song Polly Fashions J9965
Polly Pocket!(tm) Pollyworld(tm) Kerstie Fashions J9966
Polly Pocket!(tm) Pollyworld(tm) Rockin' Tour Bus(tm) K3460
Polly Pocket!(tm) Quik-Clik(tm) Pool Party(tm) Playset (Lila(tm)) H1554


To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including a table containing
pictures of the recalled products, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07273.html


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


The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting
the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more
than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction.
Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product incidents
cost the nation more than $700 billion annually. The CPSC is committed
to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire,
electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard or can injure children. The
CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys,
cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals -
contributed significantly to the 30 percent decline in the rate of
deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30
years.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's
hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270, or
visit CPSC's web site at www.cpsc.gov/talk.html. To join a CPSC email
subscription list, please go to www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. Consumers
can obtain this release and recall information at CPSC's Web site at
www.cpsc.gov.

Saturday, August 11, 2007

Dear Noah........

Still working on you ASKING for help or INITIATING greetings.

When you go to the restroom and need help you will never call out for me. You will BANG on the bathtub or wall or floor to get my attention. Only a couple of times can I recall you actually CALLING out for me and that was only AFTER I yelled in asking if you needed help with something.

Same for mornings....you came out again this morning. I was in the kitchen. Not one word spoken from you.....until I had said something first.

I have also noticed you still have a very hard time looking me directly in the eye.....which is fine because I "get that"......I hope it does not cause you any problems in school.

AND you have gone back to watching video clips some little boy makes on YouTube who yells a lot. Something about it intrigues you.....and then you record YOUR versions of train movies like this little boy records. AND you also use BAD WORDS like this little boy sometimes will.....but when I asked you WHAT bad words......you told me this:

"well mommy I know you are going to get mad but I said dork and punk."

I actually sighed some relief! I mean yes I would prefer you NOT use those.....but....your choices could have been a lot worse!

You also told me that my collection of videos on You Tube were "awesome!"

You are really developing quite a personality and are becoming very expressive which is GREAT and amazing to me......after so many years where you basically never very expressive at all!

Here is a video Noah made.......this is NOT his "bad train" video.....but I thought it was cute......especially the ending....

Tuesday, August 07, 2007

Dear Noah......your blog won awards!




Our lovely mommy/friend Tina at http://autismschmatism.blogspot.com/ nominated your blog for the above 2 awards.......THANKS SO MUCH TINA. You are always so kind and take time to always be a faithful reader and leave encouraging comments! We do appreciate you!

Here are the rules: For those who answer blog comments, emails and make their visitors feel at home on their blog. For the people who take others people's feelings into consideration before speaking out, and who are kind and courteous. Also for all those bloggers who spend so much of their time helping other bloggers design, improve and fix there sites. This award is for those generous bloggers who think of others.

So, know it is my turn to pick out five bloggers that I feel are deserving of this award.

My choices are:

1) This Mom
http://www.thismom.com/ (A must read.....Kyra is a mom to 6-year-old Fluffy...who has Aspergers....an excellent read. She is an excellent writer and her thoughts you soon realize are all the thoughts you wanted to say but could never quite figure out how to say them! She is one of those who you can relate to so easily because SHE GETS IT!)

2) Every Day Is A Holiday http://journals.aol.com/jennyeveryday/everyday-is-a-holiday/ (A wonderful blog I visit a lot to take me away to dreamland! Jenny is a wonderful multi-media artist and her creations are simply amazing! She is an incredibly kind and gracious host and inspires you to CREATE!)

3) Living Life In Tx
http://crazyintx-kristi.blogspot.com/ (I can relate to so much of what she writes about. Her days are busy and she always somehow just makes me feel better if I visit and read her blog).

4) Angie Beth
http://angiebeth.blogspot.com/ (one of my sisters....her blog always inspires......creativity.....cooking.....soul searching......almost all my family blog and all their blogs are great reads)

5)Donna Williams
http://www.donnawilliams.net/autism0.0.html (A MUST CHECK OUT and see blog...Donna is an adult with autism and WOW is she ever creative! You will be inspired!)

Monday, August 06, 2007

Dear Noah....

I have been working with you lately on "making your presence known" as you have a tendency to walk in a room where I am but my back is turned toward you....and you are very quiet....and do not say anything to let it be known to me you have even entered the room. I usually turn around and there you are.....and sometimes it startles me or catches me off guard.

I remember when you were little and would wake up in the middle of the night and need something.....you would walk into my bedroom.....but just stand there. You would not think about tapping me or calling out to me "mommy, I need _____"......you just stood there silently. Somehow I could sense someone was there and would wake up and find you standing there. You were still doing that even here last year.....at 7-1/2 years of age. Coming into my room in the middle of the night or early morning......but not saying a word. Just standing there. I have gone through the drill many times with you as to what you SHOULD do in that scenario.....and finally......a few months back......it sunk in and you now GET IT. IF you come into my room and need something.....you TELL ME. It was months of constant prompting....what to say and what to do in each step.

We had to go through that when you were much younger too.....as far as how to go up and even say hello to other kids. What you might ask them.......how you could ask their name...etc....because you would walk up to them but just stand there......not knowing what to say or how to act. I am thrilled to see you now not only participate in conversations.....but MANY TIMES INITIATING them...even with adults! You have made tremendous progress!

However......this new little trend of yours (not entirely new as you have done it before in the past but stopped it)......where you come into a room where I am.......and do not let me know you are there but you end up right behind me 9 times out of 10......sort of freaks me out sometimes! I know you do not realize that this seems odd or off or inappropriate. Trying to teach you this is very upsetting to you because you feel you are doing something wrong and end up crying and do not always understand. BUT I know you will GET IT one day soon.

Today we initially had a follow-up appointment to keep at your orthopaedic doctor......but we did not have anything yet to follow up on so I canceled. BUT YOU did not know this.....and I heard you get up earlier to go to the bathroom and you must have looked at the clock because I heard you say "OH NO!"........but instead of coming in to wake me and ASK ME about it........you just walked by my bedroom door and looked my way but went back to bed. Later when you did finally wake up......you came in and climbed on my lap in my office and said to me "You failed to wake me up 2 hours earlier than usual for my doctor's appointment you idiot!"

I was caught off guard by that but not entirely. For YEARS I did not let you read many of the Peanuts Comics and such because you did not and still are not very good at discerning what are and are not appropriate comments to make to someone. I am not even totally sure you understand what IDIOT means.........BUT.....you read it in your Peanuts Comics. Same as BLOCKHEAD.......and STUPID....which I have heard you recently blurt out in different situations! Same as OH GOOD GRIEF (which is acceptable in most cases...haha).

SO I have also been trying to work with you on those things. Especially before school. I can only imagine how well it would go over if you said something similar to a teacher! YIKES!

I guess you could sum it up saying we have been working on social skills a lot lately.

Today it seemed the heat index was 120 degrees outside. It was unbelievable! I did hear it was 110 heat index. Supposed to get even hotter later this week. So we took off to Indiana to an antique mall and walked around in there and explored. We had a great time and you loved the road trip.

It won't be long and school will be starting!

I love you Noah......to the moon and back again.....forever and ever I will!

Mommy
XOXOXOXOX

Sunday, August 05, 2007

canned green beans recalled...

Some 15,000 cases of French Style Green Beans in 14.5 ounce cans made by Lakeside Foods, and bearing some 20 different brands are being recalled in the US and Canada as a precaution against potential foodborne illnesses such as botulism. As yet no illnesses have been reported.

The announcements were made on Wednesday and Thursday this week by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Lakeside Foods Inc of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, US, the producer of the affected product.

The food producer found food safety had been breached during a routine inspection: some cans may have been underprocessed (not enough heat) and some may have leaks, allowing possible contamination by dangerous organisms such as Clostridium botulinum which causes botulism, a potentially deadly form of food poisoning.

So far, none of the cans tested shows signs of botulinum toxin, and according to a statement from the FDA and the producer, the "company continues to test out of an abundance of caution".

The producer said in a prepared statement that it had "identified and corrected the condition that resulted in its decision to voluntarily recall the cans in question" and that none of its other products is affected.

Food poisoning from Clostridium botulinum can kill and starts with the following symptoms: general weakness or feeling of fatigue, nausea, vomiting, dry throat, headache, dizziness, double vision and difficulty speaking or swallowing. Other symptoms include trouble with breathing, muscle weakness, abdominal distention and constipation.

If you have these symptoms go and see a doctor. If you know anyone who has these symptoms, suggest they see a doctor.

Product Identification
If you have bought any of the products described here, throw it away, even if when you open the can it looks or smells OK.

The products affected are the "French Style Green Beans" in 14.5 oz cans and contain one of the following codes in the top line of the can code:

EAA5247, EAA5257, EAA5267, EAA5277, EAB5247, EAB5257, ECA5207, ECA5217, ECA5227, ECA5297, ECB5207, ECB5217, ECB5227 and ECB5307.

If you have any cans like this you should return them unopened to the place you bought them from.

Brands
The product is sold under the following labels:

ALBERTSON'S
HAPPY HARVEST
BEST CHOICE
FOOD CLUB
BOGOPA
VALU TIME
HILL COUNTRY FARE
HEB
LAURA LYNN
KROGER
NO NAME
NORTH PRIDE
SCHNUCKS
SHOP N SAVE
SHOPPERS VALU
CUB FOODS
DIERBERGS
FLAVORITE
IGA, and
THRIFTY MAID

Distribution
According to the FDA and food producer's statements, the cans were distributed in the following regions:

In the US (20 states): AL, AZ, CO, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MO, MS, NC, NY, OH, OK, TN, TX, VA, WI.

In Canada: according to the CFIA, the product was also distributed in Ontario and the Western provinces.

Further information
Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-466-3834, Ext. 4090.
Contact Canadian Food Inspection Agency at at 1-800-442-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday).

Click here to keep up to date with this product recall (food producer's website).

Click here for more information on foodborne illnesses (Canadian Food Inspection Agency).

Click here for FDA (US).

Crickets and Candles......

Friday, August 03, 2007

Forget the label.....BELIEVE in your child for success....

Autism! Pdd nos! Aspergers syndrome! ADHD! High functioning! Low functioning! Delayed! Hearing these words about your child can be crushing. They can devastate you to your very core. The good news is THEY DON'T HAVE TO! Let me tell you why....

It doesn't matter. That's right. It simply doesn't matter. If you want to really help your child then read on. I'm serious. Don't be like the thousands who wish they had "lived" this concept sooner.

Pretend for a moment you have a newborn. He is simply perfect. By the time he is two years old, his fingers are so long, they look strange. You go to a renowned physician and ask "What's wrong with my child? Why are his fingers so long?". The physician smiles and says "Your child has a condition called spindle fingers. He has a natural gift for playing musical instruments. Many dream of having this talent".

You're absolutely thrilled and can't wait to share the news. You rush home but on the way you stop to buy a toy xylophone, piano, drum set and flute. You set them out on the floor when you get home and you watch proudly as your toddler strums each one of them. You don't care that everyone else thinks it just sounds like noise. You have a budding musician on your hands and he's practicing!

As the months go by you encourage your child to play instruments. He gets a little older and expresses his preference for the piano. You take him to piano lessons, listen to famous piano players and perhaps even go to concerts. You explain to your son that his fingers are long because he is talented at playing the piano. Your son plays the piano beautifully. He is proud of his fingers and his talent. You are proud of your son.

You run into the physician a few years later. You tell him proudly about your child's piano skills. He smiles broadly and says "I made it all up. There is no condition called spindle fingers". "What?" you shriek "that's impossible. My child is an excellent player".

"Of course he is" says the physician "It's called belief. You believed in your child's fingers. You believed in his talent. You encouraged him. It didn't matter how many mistakes he made. You hardly heard them because you knew he was on the path to greatness. Your son felt your belief. He saw it in your eyes. He felt it course through his being. It inspired him. Every time he looked at his long fingers he thought about his talent. He felt proud of himself. He knew he could do it. Your unwavering faith inspired him to be the best he can be".

My advice to you is this. Forget about the boxes and the labels. Ignore the judgments. Your child is fascinating. Your child is a unique and wonderful being who is incredibly special. Give him the tools. Encourage him on his journey. Never lose faith in him. Stand by his side. Teach him as much as you can. Watch in delight as he soars far beyond everyone's expectations. Everyone's except yours and all those who joined your belief along the way!

(snippet from article from Autism Today)

Thursday, August 02, 2007

Pool Day........

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us
Shot with DMC-TZ1 at 2007-08-02

more recalls for products made in China...please read!

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 2, 2007
Release #07-257

Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 916-4498
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Fisher-Price Recalls Licensed Character Toys Due To Lead Poisoning
Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in
cooperation with the firms named below, today announced a voluntary
recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using
recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Sesame Street, Dora the Explorer, and other children's
toys

Units: About 967,000

Importer: Fisher-Price Inc., of East Aurora, N.Y.

Hazard: Surface paints on the toys could contain excessive levels of
lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse
health effects.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recalled involves various figures and toys that were
manufactured between April 19, 2007 and July 6, 2007 and were sold alone
or as part of sets. The model names and product numbers for the recalled
toys, which are all marked with "Fisher-Price," are listed below. The
toys may have a date code between 109-7LF and 187-7LF marked on the
product or packaging.

Sold at: Retail stores nationwide from May 2007 through August 2007 for
between $5 and $40.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled toys away from
children and contact Fisher-Price. Consumers will need to return the
product and will receive a voucher for a replacement toy of the
consumer's choice (up to the value of the returned product).

Consumer Contact: For additional information contact Fisher-Price at
<>(800) 916-4498 anytime or visit the firm's Web site at
www.service.mattel.com

Product List:

33662 Elmo Light Up Musical Pal
33664 Big Bird Light Up Musical Pal
39038 Elmo Tub Sub
87946 Elmo Keyboard
90609 Elmo Collectible
90612 Zoe Collectible
90614 Big Bird Collectible
93068 Elmo Boom Box
93307 Press N Go Elmo
93492 Cookie Saxophone
93615 Splash Tub Puzzle

B7554 Count To Beat Elmo
B7987 Elmo In The Giggle Box
B9620 Dora's Talking House
C6908 Dora, Backpack, Perrito Figure Pack
C6909 Diego Figure Pack
C6911 Boots, Tico Figure Pack
G5112 Sing With Elmo's Greatest Hits
H2943 Grow With Me Elmo Sprinkler
H3344 Birthday Dora
H5570 Elmo & Pals (Elmo, Zoe, Bigbird)
H4628 Water Fun Tote
H8237 Blue 3 Pack Figures In Tube
H9124 Chef Dora
H9186 Giggle Grabber Ernie

J0338 Diego Talking Field Journal
J0344 Go Diego Go Deep Sea Rescue
J0346 Go Diego Go Talking Rescue 4 X 4
J5936 Giggle Grabber Chef Cookie Monster
J6537 Sesame Street Giggle Toolbelt
J6763 Royal Boots And Tico
J7983 Sesame Street Tub Pots & Pans
J9692 Dora's Talking Pony Place
K3414 Diego - Talking Gadget Belt
K3580 Fairytale Adventure Dora
K4140 Toucan Motorcycle Rescue

L3194 Surprise Inside Diego Eggs
L3488 Sesame Street Birthday Figure Pack
L3507 Sesame Street - Super Boom Box
L5202 Birthday Dora
L8905 Pablo & Pals
M0352 Dora Figures Diego & Bear
M0527 Sesame Street Giggle Doodler
M2051 Lets Go Rescue Center
33663 Ernie Light Up Musical Pal
34658 Elmo Stacking Rings
39054 Sesame Street Shape Sorter
90267 Ernie Splashin' Fun Trike
90611 Cookie Collectible
90613 Ernie Collectible
90745 Construction Playset
93107 Action Fire Engine
<>93308 Rev & Go Cookie Monster
93493 Elmo's Guitar
93780 Music And Lights Phone

B7888 Shake, Giggle & Roll
B7989 Silly Parts Talking Elmo

C6910 Swiper Figure Pack
G3825 Dora Talking Vamonos Van
G9717 Giggle Doodler
H3343 Cousin Daisy
H5569 Elmo & Pals (Elmo, Cookie, Ernie)
H4187 Dora Figures In Tube
H8236 Dora 3 Pack Figures In Tube
H8238 Sponge Bob 3 Pack Figures In Tube
H9125 Bedtime Dora
H9188 Giggle Grabber Oscar The Grouch

J0343 Go Diego Go Antarctic Rescue
J0345 Go Diego Go Mountain Rescue
J5935 Giggle Grabber Soccer Elmo

J6762 Queen Mami
J6765 Prince Diego
J9518 Sesame Street Giggle Drill
K0617 Twins Nursery
K3571 Go Diego Go Mobile Rescue Unit
K4139 Go Diego Go Dinosaur Rescue
L0305 Dora Figure

L3215 Sesame Street Elmo Jack-In-The-Box

L5813 Diego Tub Trike
M0351 Dora Figures Dora & Kitty
M0524 Go Diego Go Talking Gadget
M0732 Dora's Talking House
M2052 Fairytale Castle

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the
recalled products, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07257.html