Fire Safety

This morning there was a fire in the area that claimed the lives of two small girls.  Some of the accounts are horrifying and I will not repeat them.  This post is to get you, the reader, thinking about how important it is to teach your kids and to make sure they understand.

I didn't tell my girls what happened because Katherine is very sensitive about this stuff.  Last year and this year at school during Fire Prevention week, she has had a paranoia about fire.  So tonight at dinner I just asked a few questions and ignored when they asked why.

I'm very glad that I did because I found out that though Ava knows if a door knob is hot to not open the door, she thinks she needs to pack her stuff before leaving.  So I made it very clear that if there is ever a fire we need to get out.  That we can always get more stuff but not new Kats or Avas.  It took a while to get them to understand that the stuff is not what is important.

Another good point to bring up is that even though it is scary, they CAN NOT HIDE.  It is said that this is why the mother couldnt get to the girls.  So with this I am going to find a way to get them to see a firefighter with full gear on.  That way if heaven forbid we are ever in this situation they know that it is someone trying to help and not a monster.

So we will be starting to work on escape plans and meeting places.  Always reinforcing what we have already talked about.

Please pray for the mother and everyone involved in this accident.  Also for the children that went to school with the girls.  I believe they were 4 and 7 and knowing my girls are about that age, it must be scary for them as well.

Mickey........

A couple years ago my girls loved watching Noggin and Playhouse Disney.  Then Comcast decided they were giving away too many channels and took Noggin away.  So they were all about Disney.  Katherine even had a special birthday lunch that was Mickey themed for her and a few friends. 

Now three years later we rarely turn to that channel.  The books that once were read and reread everyday are collecting dust.  The toys have been given away and not mentioned.  Even the collection of dvds are sitting on the shelf - not given a glance.

My girls switched to Nick.  Spongebob entered their world against Mommy's wishes.  Preteen shows became their favorites.  They are growing too fast.  Plus anyone that has seen Nick knows it isn't for young children anymore.  Sure they air Nick Jr shows for a few hours in the morning but if older kids are out of school for any reason it goes back to older shows.  I actually am wondering if they only have a couple shows anymore.  Seriously, I can guess what will be on.  None are what I think my girls should watch.

When I thought it couldn't get worse it did.  Thanks to my husband basically looking out for what HE wants, they have found cartoon network.  Every show I have seen is rude, violent, almost adult in content, etc.  Plus I have yet to find one show on there that even seems to be geared towards girls. 

Last night I told them there will be no more cartoon network.  Every time they see these shows they get in the mood to "play" fight.  It is not okay to me at all.  I have made it clear to Hubby that it is not to be on anymore. 

At this point I wish they'd want to watch Dora.  I can't believe I said that either. 

Summer Fun

I was looking through pictures on my computer this morning and came across this:

There is a little trail from this playground/ park down to the duck pond.  I was leery to go that way with the little ones because I didn't want them to trip or get poked by branches etc.   How ever my girls decided to get sticks, everyone had them, to take along with us.

Why?  In case there were bears.  My girls were ready to fight off the beasts with sticks.  Daddy got to carry a stick too. : ) 

Last Word In Automatic Dishwashing (1950)

Great, these have been out since 1950? I still don't have one. Though I would want a new one because the thought of having to basically wash dishes before putting them in a dish washer kills me. How did people fall for that one?

Now can I tell you how much I love this clip? Watching it it is clear that it is meant to help men sell them. I find it hilarious though. I wish i could use fancy words like that housewife had at the beginning of the video.

I really do hate doing dishes, especially pots and pans. Hubby is made to do them often. It all goes back to a moment he offered to have that as his job since he knew my aversion to it. Ask him now and he has that all to common among husbands selective remembrance.

Ahh oh well. Our kitchen is so tiny we have to push the table back and forth depending on if we are doing laundry or dishes. May we get a home one day that I can have one.

Hope you enjoy these clips as much as I do.

MLK Day

Our area doesn't do much for MLK day.  Actually the town I live in does nothing.  Now I have always said that when I was a parent and my children had a day off from school, I would make sure they knew why. 

Imagine my surprise when talking to my Kindergartner and she didn't know.  Now, last year I remember one paper coming home so I guess she naturally forgot.  However, I thought her class this year would teach more about it.  Appears I was wrong.

So I tried to explain without getting into just how back things were.  At the end I was so proud of her.  She was silent for a moment then said, "They were mean to them because they have brown skin?  That's silly". 

Yes, Katherine that is silly.  It is also silly that it still happens today and not just to African Americans.  It's almost like we have learned nothing. 

I love that my little girl can see how absurd it is to base your thoughts off of something as insignificant as appearance.  It makes me wonder, what happens to us?  My children are in class, all getting along, all friends.  Where does the prejudice, back talking, lack of concern, bullying, etc. come from?   Why can't we all just keep it on friendly terms?  Why can't we just get along?  Is it a childish concept or can we be big enough to admit we, as we grow, complicate things?  It shouldn't be that hard - in fact it shouldn't have to change.

So Dr King, I too have a dream......

Vintage 1930's Makeup & Skincare Guide

I saw this and just had to post. I love these retro tutorials. Guess I have to find out how to do my hair later. : )

Disappointment

 I finished a book last week, Smothered. I was excited to read my new selection, Mr & Mrs Cugat.  I believe that is the title. 

I got this book a year ago online and kept meaning to read it but never got around to it.  Not surprising as I am always bringing books home and get distracted by them.  I thought I would love this book. It was made into a radio show, My Favorite Husband which I listen to.  Lucille Ball starred as the wife on that show and it is said to be the inspiration for I Love Lucy. 

However I started reading it and just can not get into it.  I have tried and tired but it isn't working.  I was shocked with the illustration though.  During the telling of Mrs. Cugat having to get out of the tub to answer the call from her husband I beheld the cartoon of her holding a towel against herself.  Thing is her breasts are exposed.  Not in a detailed way, just two dots at the end of boobs but still shocking.  This book was published in 1935 or 1937.  I thought people were more prudish then. 

I am just very disappointed. I was all set to love this book as I had the various broadcasts.  Guess I will set it aside and maybe return to it another time.