Prohibiting Untested Products for Children

I heard of this a few hours ago and I was very skeptical, but after reading New safety rules for children's clothes have stores in a fit from the LA Times, I'm feeling a little angry.

Now don't get me wrong, my wife and I have three children and we wouldn't dare put them at danger, but this law is going to put my wallet in danger and a lot of small stores and manufacturers out of business. The law was signed by Congress last year and begins to take effect on February 10th, 2009.

Read more about the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, or CPSC and the actual act here.

From the act:

The new legislation imposes an additional third-party testing requirement for all consumer products primarily intended for children twelve years of age or younger. Every manufacturer (including an importer) or private labeler of a children’s product must have its product tested by an accredited independent testing lab and, based on the testing, must issue a certificate that the product meets all applicable CPSC requirements.

After having read some of this, it does appear that the restrictions don't fully take place until 90 days after the CPSC releases the third-party laboratory accreditation requirements for that category of product. In short, everything that is government approved will have a special tracking label to prove that it is safe and can be successfully placed in my child's mouth.

I found a partial schedule here, and it stretches into September of 2009, but I don't see clothing specifically mentioned. I'll need to learn more about this.

Sen. Robert Bennet (R-UT)
Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT)
Rep. Jim Matheson (D-UT 2)

Deep thoughts...

I'm not one to get involved in Political discussion and heated subjects because I really feel that everyone has a choice on this earth. Ben would say that I am such a passionate person when it comes to my decisions,. The decisions that I make that affect my family and my little bubble of influence. But I am completely tolerant of other people and their actions when they make theirs (most of the time...I'm not perfect at this.) It's easy for me to separate the person from the sin. I am in interested and weigh the impacts that some decisions make for my family but you won't find me at a rally or raising my voice one way or the other... UNTIL this last election. It feels like all the pieces of the puzzle have come together for me. I'm finally getting it so to speak. I still feel that we need to LOVE everyone. I need to take people for face value and just assume that their intentions are good. And if their intentions are not good then not take it personal. But some things are WORTH fighting for. I realize that I can't sit on the sidelines anymore.

This realization came this morning while I was thinking about the state of our world. A lot of the financial problems that our country is experiencing right now fundamentally stems from people being greedy, not caring about their neighbor, and putting monetary gain before doing what's right. My testimony was strengthened this morning because I realized that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has given us counsel since the beginning of it's existence to guide us spiritually, emotionally, mentally and temporally. All three of these things have to be balanced. I just always assumed that these things would just happen if I was being righteous and living consciously. But really that isn't enough. To be healthy this way, it means we need to TAKE ACTION. Actually being aware that every decision that we make actually changes the outcome of our lives. I guess I haven't ever been ready for this piece of knowledge from Heavenly Father but I'm listening now.

Now that I am feeling humbled I feel  more dependant upon my Heavenly Father. This is a good thing! I think we're all learning the lessons that we NEED, whether it's emotional, spiritual, or temporal. But going farther, it's what we do with these lessons 5 years, 10 years, or 50 years down the road. Will we learn from them? Will we make the same mistakes again? Will we remember these feelings of humility? That is what I will strive for. 

Out with the old, in with the NEW!

This story started last Sunday, November 30th. I was sick with the flu. The phone rings and Ben picked it up. "Hello, this is the Stake Executive secretary, Ben's thinking *oh crap!*. He then asks for me! Ben wakes me up because he likes to see me panic. It's better than him! Back to the story, he says that the Stake president is EXCITED to meet with me and can you bring your husband along. Um. Yes...but can I claim immunity?? 

Of course I say yes, hang up the phone and immediately start hyperventillating. Ok, it could be a calling. Or he could want to see my emergency preparedness binder from my Super Saturday back in October. By the way, why do they call like a year in advance from when they want to meet with you? This to me is emotional torture, plus anyone that knows me knows that I can't stand a secret that I don't know. I always find the Christmas presents and open them. I can't help it!

So, Monday goes by. Then Tuesday, then Wednesday. FINALLY Thursday gets here. The first thing the Stake President wonders is if he and I can "talk. Oh no. What did I do? He starts by asking me very pointed worthiness questions. How often do I pray and are my prayers thoughtful? How often do I go to the temple and other very pointed questions. I start sweating half way through the interview. I start feeling that I need to confess my sins. Finally he just sits there for like an eternity staring at me. Then he suddenly stood up and asked Ben to come into the room. Then he starts talking about sports and the weather! WHAT? Where's his deep questioning? I like equal treatment in our marriage. Where's his sweat rings? Then he asked me if I would accept a calling to be the Stake Relief Society 1st Counselor! At this point I say "REALLY? Are you serious?" DUh. I'm not too bright :) I've never had a Stake calling but I'll do my best! New is not new for me. My life is ever changing. I secretly like it that way, which contradicts my panic stricken OCD-planning self.

Out with the old, in with the NEW!!

Who are you and WHAT have you done with my husband!

Ok, ok. So I won't get brownie points for this post. Ben is the type of guy that fills a room and everyone expects to be tough. But in reality he is a big softy and sometimes does tihings to "indulge" me and keep the peace. 

This weekend we talked about doing black friday shopping. We had it all worked out. Babysitters at 6 am. and had it mapped out and everything. I'm thinking "WOW, my hubby really loves me". He would say, "Yes Dear I do love you" but he loves a good deal MORE. SO fast forward to 3 am Friday morning...2 loads of throw up towels and you've got a completely dfferent ball game. SO what does Ben do? He braves black friday shopping solo! Does anyone know my husband? He doesn't like shopping. period. He got some screamin' deals though!! And I think indimidated a shopper or two to boot! 

So. Fast forward to Monday morning. You guessed it. Ben has the flu. So he proceeds to miss work and gets to "lay" in bed all day and rest. After many times of me saying "dear, really you need to actually rest when you are sick". If you can't tell, he's not a good sick patient. So after a couple hours of not hearing pacing upstairs, I go up and peak in our room...he kind of hid something under the covers and he had a very guilty look on his face! I say "What are you hiding?" Sheepishly he pulls out my TWILIGHT book! WhAt!?! And he says, this is really intersting....I shake my head and secretly make my plans to take him to the movie.

 Honestly, are pigs flying?

The dream

I had a dream last night. It means a lot to me and not something I take lightly. I post it only because the people who read my blog are very special to me and I am not ashamed of my journey, rather I'm grateful. 

I was walking and as I walked I came to a path which was my life. As I made the choice,  I came upon those that made a significant impact in my life. 

It seemed I started at my earliest influence, which was my sweet mother Mary Ann. Her loving face and touch. In the dream  the embace was so comforting and soft. Then I came upon my father Carl. I remember him being the super man of my childhood. The look on his face was that of  acceptance and pure joy. I was always his little princess. They held my hands and guided me along the path.

I started walking faster, making choices to let go. Sometimes the path was dark. Sometimes I fell far from the path. I would walk backwards and then sideways. I knew it would feel better if I was going forward. People were there along the way. My brothers and my sister. I always knew they loved me. They all influenced me in different ways. There were friends who were good. Some faded quickly, others stayed longer.

I suddenly came to a place where the path ended. This was confusing to me. Where was the path? It was all white with no dents in the sand. Uncharted territory. I felt I needed to choose where to go. There wouldn't be a path. I wander for a while, learning lessons along the way. There is a lot of disappointment and heartache. I learn the lessons that I need to. 

Suddenly I know what I need to do. I can't look down, I need to put my eyes heavenward. That is where I see a light shining down. I look forward and there is a man glowing, standing right in front of me. Without the light I could not see him. The light is behind the man who will lead me to eternity. With the light behind him, I can see everthing.

From that point we make our own path. Sometimes he guides, sometimes I guide. But we go together. Along the way more people come and join us on the journey. We have their little hands in ours and we learn their hearts. We become the ones that show them their path.

I woke up and want to know more. Do their little feet make it to their own open canvas? Do I endure to the end? Do we make it to eternity? 

These are questions unanswered. But I hope with all my heart that my life journey, with it's windy and uncertain obstacles, is always laced with light, wholeness, and truth.

Disappointed

What a sad start to the week! We bought Celine Dion concert tickets like a year ago and guess what?? She just cancelled the show! (yeah yeah, I know she's sick) but I've wanted to see her show for several years and we stalked the online ticket reservations to get good tickets! Oh well.

The kiddos have been sick this past week. We finally got them feeling better and went in for their flu shots yesterday. That was in the afternoon. By evening Princess was really lethargic and tired. So she went to bed at 6:30 pm (not usual at all) and she slept 13 hours. This morning she wakes up and she has a rash all over her body!! So, in to the doctor's we go. Again. Turns out she has something called Fifth's disease (not serious, just looks bad) and will have rashes for 2 weeks (let's explain that to her teacher). Here, take my rash ridden child. I promise she's not sick ;)

Anyway, I am totally bummed. 

My only light at the end of the tunnel? TWILIGHT movie! I'm going on Saturday and I can't wait!!

So is life.

Yoda friend...

Everyone needs a friend that loves and gives advise like Yoda. That is my friend Heidi. I haven't known her longer than a year, but I feel like it's been longer. We can laugh and she is just that sort of friend that you can vent to and she is not judgemental and just lets you rip your emotions. Then it's done. No pointing fingers. She's just real. 

She wrote the following list post and I just love it. I have it posted on my wall because I NEED it!

When life hands you lemons written by Heidi V.

Something I want you to keep in mind as you read through this post is that my life is a work in progress, just like the rest of you. I'm better at some of these things than others. I slip back for a while on something, then realize the impact it's having on my life, and make an effort to pull forward again. I take President Hinckley's advice to heart - "Try a little harder, be a little better." We all have demons to wrestle. If you've had a charmed life to this point, watch out. Your turn will come. I distinctly remember thinking somewhere around our 6th year of marriage that really we'd been awfully lucky. Then we buried two loved ones in a space of 6 months in the biggest series of trials of our lives. The beauty of it is that eventually things always get better. The pain is still there, but it's a scar now - a daily reminder, but without the raw edges of a fresh wound. Scars add character.

1. I am a child of God and He has sent me here. Has given me an earthly home with parents kind and dear. Lead me, guide me, walk beside me, help me find the way. Teach me all the I must do to live with Him some day. That simplest of Primary songs has such a potent message. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart. Remember that He cares about you. Don't forget to include Him in your daily trials and triumph.

2. Set goals. Daily, weekly and long term. I'm not a super nutcase about this, but it helps me to focus my efforts. When I don't have a direction in mind, I tend to waste a lot of time. They don't have to be big things, either. Just set benchmarks for improvement - cook one more meal this week than last week, exercise one more time than last week, etc.

3. Exercise. This is my sanity. I literally get sick when I slack off in this department. Having babies has done permanent (at least to this point) damage to my stomach function, so if I want to refrain from puking, I must run. But not only is it good for my body, it is definitely good for my soul. Alan can attest to the fact that I get awfully crabby and testy if I go more than a couple of days without a good workout. Several months ago, I began working out early in the morning even though I've never been a morning person. Jen and I both struggled with prying ourselves out of bed, but both have discovered that it makes our day go so much better to be up and moving before the kids. Other things that make this one easier are to find a workout buddy to keep you honest, sign up for races (bike, triathlon, run, swim, whatever) and to set goals with rewards. When I started running, I tracked my miles and rewarded myself when I got to 100 miles. Sounds like forever but it really wasn't. It felt so awesome to get to it. I think that along with this, just getting outside every day is really important. Fresh air and sunshine are good for the soul.

4. Decide to be happy. Yes. Decide. As I pointed out in my last post, for some people there is a literal chemical imbalance that needs to be corrected in order to make this happen. But for a heck of a lot of us, a conscious effort toward this goes a long way. There's one woman at church that I can always count on to be a cheerful ray of sunshine. She is so positive and pleasant to talk to. You'd never know that she's got a bucket full of family problems just like the rest of us. I truly believe that if you put forth the effort to paste on a happy face then your body language will follow. It becomes a good habit. I find that my mindset and mood influence the rest of the house rapidly. So if I can put the effort in to being cheerful, the rest of the day goes so much better. Some days are harder than others. Fake it 'til you make it. Listen to what's coming out of your mouth and think about if it's what you'd want to hear. If not, then pause, count to ten and redo.

5. Pity parties are ok. You're allowed to wallow for a bit when something crummy happens. Just don't linger for too long. Vent, holler at an inanimate object, run far...do what it takes to get it out of your system or it'll just fester. I have a handful of special people in my life that are my safe people. I can urp out my frustrations, my crazy thoughts, my whining, and they still love me. Then when you're done, direct your energy into something positive. The Angel Babies project was a lifesaver for me in a very literal sense.

6. Just say yes. When you're given the opportunity to serve, do it. Even if you don't feel like it. I learn something every time. Taking a meal to someone helps me realize that I've got things pretty good and helps me appreciate what I have. Spending time at DI refreshes my perspective on the useful life of items in my house, and what I can do to be more careful with the resources I've been blessed with. Teaching Primary gives me the opportunity to nurture little souls with the added bonus that it helps me refocus on the basic principles of the gospel. Cleaning the church with my kids teaches them to take care of things. Sometimes I grumble on my way out the door, but I'm never sorry I went. I have volunteered literally thousands of hours of my time over the last 19 years, and I am a much better person for it.

7. Just say no. Yes, this contradicts #6, but it's very important. I'm a person that tends to get used and abused because I say yes to everything. Then I wind up getting in waaaaay over my head and get super stressed out and crabby when I have a half dozen extra kids at my house until midnight, a deadline for work, a class to prepare, preschool to teach, a messy house, etc. etc. etc. There's a fine balance. Give of yourself, but not to the breaking point. I struggle with this one, because I feel guilty when I say no. This one is definitely a work in progress for me. But it is oh so liberating when I do manage to politely say no to something and walk away from it without any second guessing.

8. Connect with everyone in your house at least once a day. I've got this weird confession. I have a very easy time showing affection to my husband and to babies, but as my kids get older, I have a harder time verbalizing it. Same goes for my siblings and the rest of my extended family. I don't know why. I just do. So I make a conscious effort to give my kids a hug every day and tell them that I love them. I also make an effort to spend time doing something with each kid on a frequent basis. It is often just simply reading a book together, or coloring, but they appreciate it. Dates with Alan are also high on my list.

9. Do fun things with your family. Now this may sound really obvious, but it's so easy to let weeks slip by without doing much more than just the bare bones daily tasks. My kids positively light up when I plan something. It doesn't have to be big, either. Just going on a walk in the neighborhood makes everyone happy. Find a new park to explore and take a picnic. Make a giant fort out of couch cushions and blankets. Let them plan and help execute an interesting dinner. Go sledding, even if you don't like getting cold. Throw together an impromptu party - I'm doing one this afternoon, actually. This is the stuff that memories are made of.

10. Surround yourself with good friends. The old adage that to have a friend you must be a friend is very true. It just kills me when I hear someone whining about how they don't have any friends but they don't talk to anyone at church, slam the door on their visiting teachers, etc. Not exactly endearing traits. Yes, it often requires stepping outside of your comfort zone to initiate a friendship, and maybe even a few flops along the way. Just keep trying. Invite people over for a potluck lunch, or to go to the park. Find people that you have something in common with and build from there. I have a whole group of fabulous ladies that I've met since I started running, as well as a wonderful network of other angel mommies. Sometimes I feel drained, and like I don't have the emotional energy to go to a social event, but I almost always find something worthwhile in the end if I go anyway. I think people are fascinating.

11. Cultivate a new skill and find a passion for something. How many times have people told me that they could just never ever cook or run the way I do? Hundreds. That's ridiculous, folks. If you were around at the beginning of my marriage to eat some of my hideous failures, you'd realize that you too can learn how to be a decent cook. And I only started really running a year ago, for goodness sake. I dabbled in it here and there over the years, but nothing serious. Just find something that interests you and dive in. You need to have something to feel proud of.

12. Have an outlet for your creative energy. I'm not talking about art, necessarily. Everyone has a creative streak in some form or another. My current outlet is blogging (obviously). Cooking is another one for me.

13. Just keep moving. Last but not least (I like 13 - it's my lucky number), get up every day. Clean up, get dressed, fix real food and do at least one productive thing. That sounds ridiculously simple, but I know a lot of people that struggle with this. Wandering around in your pajamas all day long and eating dry cheerios out of a box is a fast track to depression. Everyone has a bad day on occasion. Just don't let it become two, then three, then four bad days. The basic principal of physics that an object in motion tends to stay in motion applies here. When we were in the depths of dealing with Elizabeth's diagnosis it felt like a major achievement to get through the basic tasks of every day living. Even now, sometimes when it gets to 4 p.m. and the day is feeling like a ridiculous flop, I take a deep breath, look in the fridge and focus on creating a great dinner. Having something tasty on the table for Alan to come home to makes me feel a whole lot better, even if that's the only thing I feel like I accomplished all day long.