Here is the link to the site -
Budget 101
Friday, January 30, 2009
My Budget
I am having to cut our already pretty tight budget even more due to income changes in the past month. I used to spend roughly $300 a month on household needs. That includes cleaning supplies, diapers, and paper products as well as groceries. But now I am looking to cut that down to around $200. Well, for a family of six that is not easy. I found this website that has many ideas on it. It has recipes for cleaning agents and mixes and soup starters and many other ideas. It is a wealth of information that I just HAD to pass on. I will be posting some of my favorite ideas here and will let you know how closely I am able to stick to my budget in the month of February.
Here is the link to the site -
Here is the link to the site -
Thursday, January 29, 2009
This post is part of "Hi/Lo Thursday" on the Riggs Family Blog. Check our their blog to read everyone else's "Hi/Lo" posts.
My high this week was seeing my oldest child read an entire book by herself for the first time. I was so proud of her. What an accomplishment! Also, we have spent a lot of time this week as a family. Investing in each other's lives and training our children in the ways of God. What a week.
Daddy with Maggie, Samantha, and Josiah (Katherine was hanging on the couch with Mom)
My low this week was definitely leaving the church family that I have served with for the past five years. I have come to love those people as my own family and the good-byes were so heart breaking!
WOW!
My six year old just told me I was "cool"! Write it down and date it so that in ten years I can show it to her and remind her that I really am COOL!
Gotta Love that Girl!
Gotta Love that Girl!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Lots of Giveaways
This is a pretty neat site and she is having a week of give aways, so click on over and join in the fun!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
New Website
Here is the link to my new website. My husband has rubbed off on me and has gotten me into webdesign. I am loving it!!! I will continue to post here as well, but I wanted to share the new address with all of you.
http://ourheartandhome.com/
http://ourheartandhome.com/
What do you do?
What do you do when something so dear to your heart is removed? How do you process these feelings of guilt and sadness? How do you explain it to your children about lost friends and family? At times I am confused and then I pray some more for clarity of mind and peace of my heart and spirit.
When life is hard and our hearts are broken, God is not done working. If we are willing He has something for us to do. GOD IS SOVEREIGN. He takes any and all circumstances and uses them for our good if we continue to walk with Him and follow His leading.
Although we had to leave our place of ministry, my husband and I are not done "ministering" to God's people. Where? When? For how long? All of these questions are ones that we don't have answers to yet. I always pictured my children growing up in the church we were at, but those pictures have changed. I always pictured those people as forever friends, I am praying they can be. But for now we are grieving and healing and WAITING on God. What a place to be! My family is poised and ready to serve. It is like sitting on the starting line waiting for God to say "Go". He will show us the course in His time. Maybe only a little at a time, but just what we need. GOD IS SOVEREIGN!
The Bible is our handbook and Christ is our guide. I wouldn't want it any other way. God has taken this situation and used it to benefit my husband and I. We have learned a lot. We are closer now than we ever have been. When everything around us crumbles, we turn to each other. This process of the two becoming one is amazing! GOD IS SOVEREIGN!
Well, now it is time to look ahead with anticipation to what God has in store. I believe with all my heart that God will still use my husband in ministry. He desires to please God and to lead God's people in a deeper walk with their Lord. God won't just let Him sit on the sidelines. Where? We don't know. How long until that time? Only God knows. But we will wait. GOD IS SOVEREIGN!
.......acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. 1 Chronicles 28:9
When life is hard and our hearts are broken, God is not done working. If we are willing He has something for us to do. GOD IS SOVEREIGN. He takes any and all circumstances and uses them for our good if we continue to walk with Him and follow His leading.
Although we had to leave our place of ministry, my husband and I are not done "ministering" to God's people. Where? When? For how long? All of these questions are ones that we don't have answers to yet. I always pictured my children growing up in the church we were at, but those pictures have changed. I always pictured those people as forever friends, I am praying they can be. But for now we are grieving and healing and WAITING on God. What a place to be! My family is poised and ready to serve. It is like sitting on the starting line waiting for God to say "Go". He will show us the course in His time. Maybe only a little at a time, but just what we need. GOD IS SOVEREIGN!
The Bible is our handbook and Christ is our guide. I wouldn't want it any other way. God has taken this situation and used it to benefit my husband and I. We have learned a lot. We are closer now than we ever have been. When everything around us crumbles, we turn to each other. This process of the two becoming one is amazing! GOD IS SOVEREIGN!
Well, now it is time to look ahead with anticipation to what God has in store. I believe with all my heart that God will still use my husband in ministry. He desires to please God and to lead God's people in a deeper walk with their Lord. God won't just let Him sit on the sidelines. Where? We don't know. How long until that time? Only God knows. But we will wait. GOD IS SOVEREIGN!
.......acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. 1 Chronicles 28:9
Saturday, January 24, 2009
The Last Two Days in Numbers
2 - doctor's visits
5 - breathing treatments
3 - doses of allergy medicine
?? - puffs of saline spray
Countless - Hours of rocking
The kids played outside almost all afternoon on Thursday and whatever else was out there made all of their allergies flare up in a huge way. They are wheezing and coughing and blowing and stuffy and all around don't feel well. Please pray for their recovery and comfort.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Almost 4 months!!
What a beautiful baby girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Katherine is now almost 4 months old and is such a joy. She is starting to "talk" back to you and laugh all the time. She rolls over now and LOVES to play on her tummy. Most of my babies thus far haven't enjoyed tummy time but Kate sure does. Her favorite toy is a mirror that stands up. She will lay on the floor and look at herself and "talk" to the baby in the mirror for a long time. She is sleeping most nights with only waking once now. Every once in awhile she will sleep the night through and I do love those nights. Her acid reflux trouble seems to have corrected itself and she is starting to tolerate mommy eating a more varied diet now. That is nice for me. Well, on to the pictures that I know you all are wanting to see..........
Katherine is now almost 4 months old and is such a joy. She is starting to "talk" back to you and laugh all the time. She rolls over now and LOVES to play on her tummy. Most of my babies thus far haven't enjoyed tummy time but Kate sure does. Her favorite toy is a mirror that stands up. She will lay on the floor and look at herself and "talk" to the baby in the mirror for a long time. She is sleeping most nights with only waking once now. Every once in awhile she will sleep the night through and I do love those nights. Her acid reflux trouble seems to have corrected itself and she is starting to tolerate mommy eating a more varied diet now. That is nice for me. Well, on to the pictures that I know you all are wanting to see..........
My smiley little tummy time lover! 
Does this onsie make me look fat??
Well, with thighs like this what can a girl expect? Mommy's milk is a hard diet to stay slim on!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Poems from "Streams in the Desert"
When nothing thereon to lean remains;
When strongholds crumble to dust;
When nothing is sure but that God still reigns,
That is just the time to trust.
'Tis better to walk by faith than sight,
In this path of yours and mine;
And the pitch-black night, when there's no outer light
Is the time for faith to shine.
***
God is in every tomorrow,
Therefore I live for today,
Certain of finding at sunrise,
Guidance and strength for the way!
Power for each moment of weakness,
Hope for each moment of pain,
Comfort for every sorrow,
Sunshine and joy after rain.
When strongholds crumble to dust;
When nothing is sure but that God still reigns,
That is just the time to trust.
'Tis better to walk by faith than sight,
In this path of yours and mine;
And the pitch-black night, when there's no outer light
Is the time for faith to shine.
***
God is in every tomorrow,
Therefore I live for today,
Certain of finding at sunrise,
Guidance and strength for the way!
Power for each moment of weakness,
Hope for each moment of pain,
Comfort for every sorrow,
Sunshine and joy after rain.
These are beautiful poems from a great magazine. Sometimes we all need reminders of how weak and sinful we as humans are. We cannot accomplish anything in our own power. "All things in this life work together for the good of those that love the Lord ..." Romans 8:28. We must rest in God's power and time. Life is so much easier when we let God control and dictate our lives. Praise Him for loving us enough to care for us as individuals. I pray that as His children we can learn to daily walk in His strength. And His strength is sufficient for all of His children. When we get wrapped up in ourselves and loose perspective of what God has called us to a major "pity party" is brewing. No good is accomplished during these times and most definitely God is not glorified. We must have enough trust in Him that no matter what He calls us to it is for our growth and can benefit us in some way. God is good and His mercy and grace are new every morning. We must CHOOSE to "tap" into that grace and serve Him no matter what the day brings.
Busy Days
In the next few weeks our household will be very busy. We have a welcome home party for my sister on the 31st. She is finally home from Iraq now. What a time to celebrate. Then my sister will be getting married in February. On Valentine's Day no less, what a great day for a wedding! So that week we have her bridal party shower and then the week after is her wedding shower. What a busy month! Erin's leave got cut short so I will be doing the wedding shower more by myself (mom has said she would help too), I hate that they do this kind of thing to her but what can you say. It happens. Anyway, I am looking forward to all the fun times with family and friends that her visits always afford to us. I praise God that my family and I are so close. Erin has worked very hard to keep in touch with my kids and it shows. They love her tons even though she is not local most of the time. I love her and can't wait to see her! Busy times are coming, I better keep moving!
Monday, January 19, 2009
"God is just, not fair"
"God is just, not fair".
I read this on another blog and it spoke volumes to me considering my current path I am called to walk. To human eyes, mine included, it doesn't seem fair that my husband and I are being treated this way. But God looks at the bigger picture. It is not only about my good, but about the good of His kingdom as a whole. I will serve where I am called and I will serve there until God moves me. We should not look for things to be fair, because we can't see what blessings are coming our way in the future or what greater ministry God is moving us toward. Our reward for unwavering service will be in heavan, not here on earth. If we look for things to be fair we will be always let down. But when we trust in God to be just and to use us in a way that is most beneficial to His eternal plan then we can rest in the palm of His hand. And if we......"look to the One who is just and promises to take care of us like He cares for the lilies of the field and the birds of the air, we will grow into people of character who give our lives for causes greater than ourselves. We will have content hearts, and will live more joyful and happy lives, no matter what the circumstances." Wow! What a focus to strive for!
Be blessed today!
I read this on another blog and it spoke volumes to me considering my current path I am called to walk. To human eyes, mine included, it doesn't seem fair that my husband and I are being treated this way. But God looks at the bigger picture. It is not only about my good, but about the good of His kingdom as a whole. I will serve where I am called and I will serve there until God moves me. We should not look for things to be fair, because we can't see what blessings are coming our way in the future or what greater ministry God is moving us toward. Our reward for unwavering service will be in heavan, not here on earth. If we look for things to be fair we will be always let down. But when we trust in God to be just and to use us in a way that is most beneficial to His eternal plan then we can rest in the palm of His hand. And if we......"look to the One who is just and promises to take care of us like He cares for the lilies of the field and the birds of the air, we will grow into people of character who give our lives for causes greater than ourselves. We will have content hearts, and will live more joyful and happy lives, no matter what the circumstances." Wow! What a focus to strive for!
Be blessed today!
Simple Woman's Daybook
FOR TODAY January 19th.....
Outside My Window... It is cold and cloudy.
Outside My Window... It is cold and cloudy.
I am thinking... Why me God?
I am thankful for... my husband. He seeks God's face and leads our family unwilling to back down from what he is called to.
From the learning rooms...School is hard right now. We are taking the day off, one more time
From the kitchen... Homemade chicken noodle soup. Something light. My husband HAS to start eating again.
I am wearing...comfy clothes.
I am creating...lasting memories with my sister
I am going...wedding shopping this morning for my middle sister's wedding
I am reading...God's Word. It is my light in dark times
I am hoping... God's will and direction will be sought by my entire church at this time of division and unrest.
I am hearing... my dishwasher run. My husband is at work and the two children at home now are still sleeping.
Around the house.. There are many things to accomplish. But how is a person supposed to act when their entire focus and ministry is suddenly pulled away from them? I am like a stranger in a foreign country. Wondering when my familiar life will return again.
I am praying.....
Father, I feel lost and scared and so confused. When men attack my husband, how do I respond? I ask that You lead us with clarity of mind and thought that we might see Your face and follow it. My heart aches for Your church. Division is a sin against You, chaos is not a sweet song in Your ear. Please pour out Your spirit and return unity and love in our church. That is Your body of believers, and as they seek Your will for their lives I lift them up. I put myself aside, willing to move out of they way, if that be Your will. Please Father, bind Satan from their hearts and fill them with Your love. We love You and are willing to follow no matter the cost. Amen.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Ok, God
OK God, I get it now. You have been preparing me for this for a time. I am committed to you and the calling you have placed on my life. I will become stronger through this. I will not become bitter toward you or your people. I will take time to mourn the lose and weep when it hurts, but then I will look with excitement and expectation with what you have in store for the next chapter of my life. I praise you God for church family that stands with me through thick and thin and for family that loves me no matter what people say about me.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
~~~My Heart~~~
Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8)The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9)Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10)Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Over the past several weeks God has been working in my life to teach me a very hard lesson. This life is about sacrificial service. and sometimes those sacrifices include more than just time and energy. As Christians we are all called to serve somewhere. When we get on board with God and follow Him relentlessly we will face difficulties on this earth. We will have to give up our comforts and sometimes our friendships and family relations to follow after God. Just as Christ called the disciples to leave their homes and lives behind and follow Him, our call is the same at times.
Scripture calls us to serve in LOVE among others. Within our churches we should find love for people. We can love people without loving the sin they are living in. We should lead them to repentance and teach them to see their actions in light of God's word. But within our churches we should find love for all believers and unbelievers alike!
We should all strive to serve Christ with our whole being. I pray that as I serve,others would see in me a servant's heart. A heart with pure motives and focused on the heavenly prize. I want my children to see that ministry and service are rewarding, even if not in this world. That even when we are tired and the children are fussy and crabby that we put our service first. It is a priority in my life to complete the service that I have been called to and to make a lasting impact on this world for Christ. No matter the cost!!
I hope that you know my Savior today and that you also are serving Him sacrificially. If you don't know Him I am praying that you would find Him in a real and personally relationship today.
Monday, January 12, 2009
No Me Monday!!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
January Goals
I have decided this year to set monthly goals for myself in several areas. Instead of making a New Year's Resolution that, many times, seems to get broken or is overwhelming.
So here are January's goals
1. School - 30 credit hours a week ALL month
2. Home - Keep the kitchen clean and the dishwasher emptied before dinner time.
3. Parenting - First time obedience from my children (with a respectful attitude)
4. Personal - Enjoy motherhood by taking time to embrace my children and not rushing them the time
5. Organization - Spend time revamping my "household notebook"
I set these many goals last year before I knew that in January I would be helping my sister with her wedding, planning a bridal shower and personal shower for her, and also throwing my youngest sister a "WELCOME HOME PARTY" . In case any of you missed the news
DEPLOYMENT IS OVER AND SHE IS STATESIDE AGAIN!!!
We are 10 days in and I am making great strides in many areas, but seem need much help, and some haven't' been touched. But at least I can say I am trying to improve myself for the betterment of my family and the job God has given me.
So here are January's goals
1. School - 30 credit hours a week ALL month
2. Home - Keep the kitchen clean and the dishwasher emptied before dinner time.
3. Parenting - First time obedience from my children (with a respectful attitude)
4. Personal - Enjoy motherhood by taking time to embrace my children and not rushing them the time
5. Organization - Spend time revamping my "household notebook"
I set these many goals last year before I knew that in January I would be helping my sister with her wedding, planning a bridal shower and personal shower for her, and also throwing my youngest sister a "WELCOME HOME PARTY" . In case any of you missed the news
DEPLOYMENT IS OVER AND SHE IS STATESIDE AGAIN!!!
We are 10 days in and I am making great strides in many areas, but seem need much help, and some haven't' been touched. But at least I can say I am trying to improve myself for the betterment of my family and the job God has given me.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Kate's Pictures
I just wanted to snap some pictures of Katherine the other day so I wanted to share them with you all. I know you all just "live" to see my kids!!! LOL!!
My Little Princess, growing so fast and being so sweet!
Kate HATES bath time so I had to take some "towel" pictures without the bath. She was happy to comply with this arrangement.
Also, the company that makes the diapers that I use often has a photo contest with the only criteria being that the baby be modeling their diapers. So, I am practicing for when the next contest is announced.
Here goes!
Our Cloth Diaper Cutie!! Love those BumGenius!
Cooking Ideas
A friend did a post about her monthly menu and invited others to share their ideas. What a great idea. We can get some new ideas for each other and feed our families better.
Cooking is a passion of mine. If I thought I could help someone cook better or learn to love cooking I would LOVE to teach some classes. That has always been a dream of mine. I have done it on a small scale at a previous church we were at but nothing consistent. Anyway here are some of the ways that I frugally feed my family. That has been my focus lately as our family has grown and our budget hasn't.
How Many Meals can I get out of Each cut of Meat?
Cooking is a passion of mine. If I thought I could help someone cook better or learn to love cooking I would LOVE to teach some classes. That has always been a dream of mine. I have done it on a small scale at a previous church we were at but nothing consistent. Anyway here are some of the ways that I frugally feed my family. That has been my focus lately as our family has grown and our budget hasn't.
How Many Meals can I get out of Each cut of Meat?
Whole Chicken - (this costs my $5.00 to buy a chicken that will fee my family with leftovers)
1. Baked - I save the breast meat out at this meal
2. Cubed breast meat from the night before (casserole, enchiladas, quesadillas, etc)
3. Chicken Noodle Soup or Chicken and Dumplings (broth from bones and leftovers)
4. Rest of Broth Makes great chicken and rice
Whole or Half Ham (when I bring it home I freeze portions of it)
1. Baked Ham
2. Scrambled Eggs and Ham
3. Grilled Ham and Cheese
4. Brown beans and Ham - using even the bones here
5. Grilled Ham Steaks
6. Cold cut sandwiches
I also don't buy really any boxed items. I make it all on my own. This saves a ton of money but does require some creativity. I also bake from scratch most of the time and make many items ahead and freeze my own "convenience" foods i.e. waffles, pancakes, sauces, and whole meals. Anyway, here are a couple of ideas. I plan to post my monthly menu later.
Action Creates Change Yet Again!
People who say they can't make a difference or don't have a say in our government are fooling themselves! When will they see and learn that when we take action and make our voices heard things WILL change!
Due to the large amount of excitement and calls over the recent exposure of the new lead testing law, the CPSC has redefined the law ans exempted thrit store and consignment stores. They have to be careful what toys they sell still but they will be able to sell clothing and the toys with little likelihood of containing high lead levels. Read the full release here - http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09086.html
Due to the large amount of excitement and calls over the recent exposure of the new lead testing law, the CPSC has redefined the law ans exempted thrit store and consignment stores. They have to be careful what toys they sell still but they will be able to sell clothing and the toys with little likelihood of containing high lead levels. Read the full release here - http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09086.html
Thursday, January 8, 2009
This Law Has Very Scary Effects on the Working Family
I have included a couple of articles about this SCARY law that is already set to take effect in February. This law was passed last year under the radar of many watchdog groups and is just now surfacing. If this law takes effect the days of consignment shopping and yard saleing are over! Any item intended for children 12 and under that was produced prior to this date and doesn't have a certificate of lead testing will be considered contraband and no one can sell or give it away to charity. The fine for such an action is up to 100,000 and five years in prison. It is considered a felony!!! This is appalling to me and to think of the massive waste it will create and the rise in coast of manufacturing.
Lead testing can cost in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Think of the disabled man who makes wooden cars, or the stay at home mom that sews dresses, none of these business people will be at the craft shows anymore. Their merchandise, unless tested will be illegal to sell. Please read the following articles and email and call your Congressman IMMEDIATELY!!
http://capwiz.com/afanet/directory/congdir.tt - Contact your Congressman or woman TODAY!
The Sale of Children's Books to be Banned
---
Oh, how I wish this were a joke! But it is a grim and looming,
almost Orwellian, reality.
Effective February 10th, in the United States, the sale of
all children's books (books intended for children ages 12 and
under) is to be PROHIBITED. Every single book printed prior
to the ruling is affected, whether new or used. New books in
production are required to include a "lead-free" certification
and will be the only books that are legal to offer for sale.
What does this mean to the homeschooling family?
Well, for one, curriculum fairs across the country will be
cancelled as book vendors scramble to figure out how to comply
with the new ruling. Complete book inventories will have to be
destroyed -- the ruling even prohibits giving away the books!
Local thrift stores will be hard hit -- most will likely have to
close their doors -- yes, even Goodwill and Salvation Army.
Clothing, toys and books -- even CDs and DVDs are included in the
ruling. Thrift stores will no longer be able to accept or process
anything (including clothing) that would be intended for a child.
No more library sales. Libraries will not be permitted to give
away or sell book donations. It is unsure yet, however, how
the libraries' shelves themselves will be impacted (the ruling
doesn't explicitly mention "loaning" books, just selling or
giving them away). The key word, however, is "distribution" --
libraries may well be required to destroy books from their shelves.
(The ruling that originally passed was about toys, but the EPA has
since made a statement that clothing, books and media are included
in "children's toys".)
Just how serious is this new law?
Amazon.com has already notified all vendors of their need to comply.
No book can be sold at the Amazon site that was printed prior to
compliance. And the "compliance" must be coordinated at the manu-
facturing stage. At the time of this article there is no clause
to be able to grandfather- in older books or even rare out-of-print
books. It can cost between $500 and $1500 to test a book for lead.
I happen to own a children's bookstore specializing in living books
from the 1950s and '60s. My punishment for selling a book after
February 10th? Up to $100,000 and 5 years in jail. And yes, it is
a felony charge. For selling a SINGLE book.
(Although I don't think the S.W.A.T. team scenario would become a
reality overnight, at the same time I would be leery of blatantly
violating Federal law.)
So what can you do to help save your local used bookstore that
sells children’s books? Or that homeschool curriculum business?
Or your EBay business selling children's items?
ACT NOW before the quickly approaching deadlines:
1) Email or call the CPSIA - the office of the CPSC ombudsman at
888-531-9070. http://www.cpsc. gov/cgibin/ newleg.aspx
Comments on Component Parts Testing accepted through January 30,
2009. Or email: Sec102ComponentPart sTesting@ cpsc.gov
2) Contact your local representatives. For their contact informa-
tion, just enter your zip code.
http://capwiz. com/americanappa rel/dbq/official s/
3) Make your voice heard by voting on this issue! The top 3 in
each category will be presented to President-elect Obama.
http://change. org/ideas/ view/save_ handmade_ toys_from_ the_cpsia
4) Sign the petition.
http://ipetitions. com/petition/ economicimpactso fCPSIA/index. html
5) Spread the word! Forward this article. Send an email. Write
about this on your blog. Tell others about this issue and
encourage them to do the same.
---
For the complete story, read the following links:
http://www.cpsc. gov/about/ cpsia/cpsia. html
Consumer Product Safety Commission Summaries on Legislation Index
page for Children's Products Containing Lead; Lead Paint Rule and
other rulings
http://www.cpsc. gov/about/ cpsia/legislatio n.html#summaries
Office of the General Counsel FAQ on retroactive inventory require-
ments -- The use of forward effective dates appears to force current
inventories to adhere to the ruling on February 10th, 2009
http://www.cpsc. gov/about/ cpsia/summaries/ 101brief. html
Specific FAQ on their interpretation of books and other media to be
included in the testing of lead based products
http://www.cpsc. gov/about/ cpsia/faq/ 101faq.html
-----------
In 2007, large toy manufacturers who outsource their production to China and other developing countries violated the public's trust. They were selling toys containing dangerously high lead content, unsafe small parts, and chemicals that made kids sick.
The United States Congress rightly recognized that the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) lacked the authority and staffing to prevent dangerous toys from being imported into the US. So, they passed the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) in August 2008. Among other things, the CPSIA bans lead and phthalates in children's products, mandates third party testing and certification, and requires manufacturers of all goods for children under the age of 12, to permanently label each item with a date and batch number.
All of these changes will be fairly easy for large, multinational companies to comply with. Large manufacturers who make thousands of units of each item have very little incremental cost to pay for testing and updating their systems to include batch labels. Small businesses however, will likely be driven out of business by the costs of mandatory testing, to the tune of as much as $4,000 or more per item. And the few larger manufacturers who still employ workers in the United States face increased costs to comply with the CPSIA, even though American-made toys had nothing to do with the toy safety problems of 2007.
Anyone who produces or sells any of the following new or used items will be required to comply with the law: toys, books, clothing, art, educational supplies, materials for the learning disabled, bicycles, and more. Any uncertified item intended for children under the age of 12 will be considered contraband after February 10, 2009. It will be illegal to sell or give these items away to charities, and the government will require their destruction or permanent disposal, resulting in millions of tons of unnecessary waste, and placing an enormous strain on our landfills.
There is a clear disconnect between the sweeping nature of this law, and the narrow range of products that were problematic in 2007. The CPSIA applies standards that were put in place in reaction to the sale of toys contaminated with lead paint and toxic plastics. Rather than focus on these materials, this law places a guilty until proven innocent mentality on all children's product producers by imposing mandatory testing and certification, and in the process will kill an entire industry.
Thriving small businesses are crucial to the financial health of our nation. Let's amend the CPSIA so that all businesses large and small are able to comply and survive!
Fox 2 News in St. Louis - http://www.myfoxstl.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail;jsessionid=1C48C5C88B2F18449AEC2C95D1D54C8A?contentId=8210646&version=3&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=1.1.1&sflg=1
Lead testing can cost in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Think of the disabled man who makes wooden cars, or the stay at home mom that sews dresses, none of these business people will be at the craft shows anymore. Their merchandise, unless tested will be illegal to sell. Please read the following articles and email and call your Congressman IMMEDIATELY!!
http://capwiz.com/afanet/directory/congdir.tt - Contact your Congressman or woman TODAY!
The Sale of Children's Books to be Banned
---
Oh, how I wish this were a joke! But it is a grim and looming,
almost Orwellian, reality.
Effective February 10th, in the United States, the sale of
all children's books (books intended for children ages 12 and
under) is to be PROHIBITED. Every single book printed prior
to the ruling is affected, whether new or used. New books in
production are required to include a "lead-free" certification
and will be the only books that are legal to offer for sale.
What does this mean to the homeschooling family?
Well, for one, curriculum fairs across the country will be
cancelled as book vendors scramble to figure out how to comply
with the new ruling. Complete book inventories will have to be
destroyed -- the ruling even prohibits giving away the books!
Local thrift stores will be hard hit -- most will likely have to
close their doors -- yes, even Goodwill and Salvation Army.
Clothing, toys and books -- even CDs and DVDs are included in the
ruling. Thrift stores will no longer be able to accept or process
anything (including clothing) that would be intended for a child.
No more library sales. Libraries will not be permitted to give
away or sell book donations. It is unsure yet, however, how
the libraries' shelves themselves will be impacted (the ruling
doesn't explicitly mention "loaning" books, just selling or
giving them away). The key word, however, is "distribution" --
libraries may well be required to destroy books from their shelves.
(The ruling that originally passed was about toys, but the EPA has
since made a statement that clothing, books and media are included
in "children's toys".)
Just how serious is this new law?
Amazon.com has already notified all vendors of their need to comply.
No book can be sold at the Amazon site that was printed prior to
compliance. And the "compliance" must be coordinated at the manu-
facturing stage. At the time of this article there is no clause
to be able to grandfather- in older books or even rare out-of-print
books. It can cost between $500 and $1500 to test a book for lead.
I happen to own a children's bookstore specializing in living books
from the 1950s and '60s. My punishment for selling a book after
February 10th? Up to $100,000 and 5 years in jail. And yes, it is
a felony charge. For selling a SINGLE book.
(Although I don't think the S.W.A.T. team scenario would become a
reality overnight, at the same time I would be leery of blatantly
violating Federal law.)
So what can you do to help save your local used bookstore that
sells children’s books? Or that homeschool curriculum business?
Or your EBay business selling children's items?
ACT NOW before the quickly approaching deadlines:
1) Email or call the CPSIA - the office of the CPSC ombudsman at
888-531-9070. http://www.cpsc. gov/cgibin/ newleg.aspx
Comments on Component Parts Testing accepted through January 30,
2009. Or email: Sec102ComponentPart sTesting@ cpsc.gov
2) Contact your local representatives. For their contact informa-
tion, just enter your zip code.
http://capwiz. com/americanappa rel/dbq/official s/
3) Make your voice heard by voting on this issue! The top 3 in
each category will be presented to President-elect Obama.
http://change. org/ideas/ view/save_ handmade_ toys_from_ the_cpsia
4) Sign the petition.
http://ipetitions. com/petition/ economicimpactso fCPSIA/index. html
5) Spread the word! Forward this article. Send an email. Write
about this on your blog. Tell others about this issue and
encourage them to do the same.
---
For the complete story, read the following links:
http://www.cpsc. gov/about/ cpsia/cpsia. html
Consumer Product Safety Commission Summaries on Legislation Index
page for Children's Products Containing Lead; Lead Paint Rule and
other rulings
http://www.cpsc. gov/about/ cpsia/legislatio n.html#summaries
Office of the General Counsel FAQ on retroactive inventory require-
ments -- The use of forward effective dates appears to force current
inventories to adhere to the ruling on February 10th, 2009
http://www.cpsc. gov/about/ cpsia/summaries/ 101brief. html
Specific FAQ on their interpretation of books and other media to be
included in the testing of lead based products
http://www.cpsc. gov/about/ cpsia/faq/ 101faq.html
-----------
In 2007, large toy manufacturers who outsource their production to China and other developing countries violated the public's trust. They were selling toys containing dangerously high lead content, unsafe small parts, and chemicals that made kids sick.
The United States Congress rightly recognized that the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) lacked the authority and staffing to prevent dangerous toys from being imported into the US. So, they passed the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) in August 2008. Among other things, the CPSIA bans lead and phthalates in children's products, mandates third party testing and certification, and requires manufacturers of all goods for children under the age of 12, to permanently label each item with a date and batch number.
All of these changes will be fairly easy for large, multinational companies to comply with. Large manufacturers who make thousands of units of each item have very little incremental cost to pay for testing and updating their systems to include batch labels. Small businesses however, will likely be driven out of business by the costs of mandatory testing, to the tune of as much as $4,000 or more per item. And the few larger manufacturers who still employ workers in the United States face increased costs to comply with the CPSIA, even though American-made toys had nothing to do with the toy safety problems of 2007.
Anyone who produces or sells any of the following new or used items will be required to comply with the law: toys, books, clothing, art, educational supplies, materials for the learning disabled, bicycles, and more. Any uncertified item intended for children under the age of 12 will be considered contraband after February 10, 2009. It will be illegal to sell or give these items away to charities, and the government will require their destruction or permanent disposal, resulting in millions of tons of unnecessary waste, and placing an enormous strain on our landfills.
There is a clear disconnect between the sweeping nature of this law, and the narrow range of products that were problematic in 2007. The CPSIA applies standards that were put in place in reaction to the sale of toys contaminated with lead paint and toxic plastics. Rather than focus on these materials, this law places a guilty until proven innocent mentality on all children's product producers by imposing mandatory testing and certification, and in the process will kill an entire industry.
Thriving small businesses are crucial to the financial health of our nation. Let's amend the CPSIA so that all businesses large and small are able to comply and survive!
Fox 2 News in St. Louis - http://www.myfoxstl.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail;jsessionid=1C48C5C88B2F18449AEC2C95D1D54C8A?contentId=8210646&version=3&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=1.1.1&sflg=1
Sunday, January 4, 2009
My Resolutions
Well, I have been thinking a lot about different aspects of my life lately. And I want to write out a few things that have been on my heart. Some of them have to do with the new and coming year and some are just personal desires in my life.
First, I want to be more effective in my ministry. Since Kate has been born I haven't been committed to my ministries at church like I should. I haven't prayed for our church members or sent cards or made phone calls or visits like I should. And I have MISSED it. My ministry is so fulfilling. I WANT to get back in the saddle and start planning and implementing ministries within our church. I pray that I will be more effective in my ministries this year for the glory of God. I want to see our church disciple Christians to be more committed to their walk and their church. I want people to see that Sunday nights and Wednesday night services are vital to fellowship with church family and to Biblical training within our church.
I also want to be a better wife and mother. I want to be more organized in my home to allow me to spend more time with my children and husband. I want to be more diligent within my home that this would be a sanctuary from the world that my husband can come home to and my children can grow up in. I desire to have the love of Christ fill these walls that when people visit they can feel the Spirit's presence. I also long to be more submissive. I really need to learn when to keep my mouth shut and let my husband lead our family toward God and not stand in his way. My husband prays daily and seeks God's face like few men I know, so why can't I let him do his God-given job! I am going to try!
I also want to pray more. I want to be a prayer warrior for the lost and hurting world that (for now) I call home. I want to teach my children to pray often and to love to pray. Prayer is the way that we can commune with our Saviour. I desire to fall so deeply in love with Him this year that I can see a difference in my life when this year ends. How can I expect my children to grow up loving and DESIRING to serve him if I don't show them how to love Him and how rewarding service can be. I pray that they would see desire in me not obligation about the ministries that God has called me to.
Well, this has gotten long and I am sure has told you way more than you really cared to know. But I am hoping that by writing this out I will hold myself accountable to all of you and my children. I feel so deeply blessed by God. I am living my dream. I have always wanted a large family and to be a stay at home mom. That is what God has allowed me to do and for that I praise Him. But where much is given, much is required and I don't want to fall short. I long to hear those words, "Well done my good and faithful servant." at the end of this lifetime. There is no better time to start than now! So watch me! Here goes nothing! I am diving in and ready to go deeper than I have ever gone before.
First, I want to be more effective in my ministry. Since Kate has been born I haven't been committed to my ministries at church like I should. I haven't prayed for our church members or sent cards or made phone calls or visits like I should. And I have MISSED it. My ministry is so fulfilling. I WANT to get back in the saddle and start planning and implementing ministries within our church. I pray that I will be more effective in my ministries this year for the glory of God. I want to see our church disciple Christians to be more committed to their walk and their church. I want people to see that Sunday nights and Wednesday night services are vital to fellowship with church family and to Biblical training within our church.
I also want to be a better wife and mother. I want to be more organized in my home to allow me to spend more time with my children and husband. I want to be more diligent within my home that this would be a sanctuary from the world that my husband can come home to and my children can grow up in. I desire to have the love of Christ fill these walls that when people visit they can feel the Spirit's presence. I also long to be more submissive. I really need to learn when to keep my mouth shut and let my husband lead our family toward God and not stand in his way. My husband prays daily and seeks God's face like few men I know, so why can't I let him do his God-given job! I am going to try!
I also want to pray more. I want to be a prayer warrior for the lost and hurting world that (for now) I call home. I want to teach my children to pray often and to love to pray. Prayer is the way that we can commune with our Saviour. I desire to fall so deeply in love with Him this year that I can see a difference in my life when this year ends. How can I expect my children to grow up loving and DESIRING to serve him if I don't show them how to love Him and how rewarding service can be. I pray that they would see desire in me not obligation about the ministries that God has called me to.
Well, this has gotten long and I am sure has told you way more than you really cared to know. But I am hoping that by writing this out I will hold myself accountable to all of you and my children. I feel so deeply blessed by God. I am living my dream. I have always wanted a large family and to be a stay at home mom. That is what God has allowed me to do and for that I praise Him. But where much is given, much is required and I don't want to fall short. I long to hear those words, "Well done my good and faithful servant." at the end of this lifetime. There is no better time to start than now! So watch me! Here goes nothing! I am diving in and ready to go deeper than I have ever gone before.
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