A Very Scary Christmas - Toys to Avoid this Holiday Season

It's time to make your list and check it twice!  Before you head out to the toy store on Black Friday to make your selections this week, keep in mind that some toys fare better than others as far as safety goes.  We can all recall the fear that rested on our minds a few years ago when we heard that many toys manufactured in China were laden with lethal amounts of lead. So, what can you do to prepare for the holiday toy-buying season?  Well, the informed folks at WATCH (World Against Causing Harm, Inc) have simplified things with their 2011 "10 Worst Toys" list. Among the toys to steer clear of this year are the Stellabella Fold & Go Trampoline and the Haba Pulling Animal Duck. See the complete list of toys to avoid tossing any potential dangers in your basket this year.

Want some suggestions for some good toys to buy this year for your little ones?  We have those for you, too!  InventorSpot.com, lists the hottest toys of 2011, as awarded at this year's 11th Annual Toy of the Year Awards (Totys). The best things to keep in mind while shopping are the basics.  Stick with your gut.  If you don't feel 100% about a toy, don't buy it!  Look for age appropriate toys for your child, watch for labeled safety approved toys and avoid toys with long strings or small, breakable pieces for the little ones.  No toy is completely safe, but just use your best judgement and don't get caught up in the novelty of a sale when making selections and you should be fine.  The perfect toy is bound to be on sale somewhere. Happy shopping, fellow mommies!

Sarah
Buggy Bubbles, OC  

Twenty Children and Counting

Wow! Have you heard the news that Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar are expecting their 20^th child?  The news was just announced this morning on the Today show by the couple who were eager to announce that Michelle is now three and a half months pregnant and doing very well.  After experiencing preeclampsia during her last pregnancy, resulting in an early delivery of their most recent addition, Josie, the Duggars are elated to to add another “J-named” child to their clan. I bet their stroller could definitely use a detail! Call us, Michelle!

In all seriousness though, hearing this news begs the question, how many children is enough?  Some might say that whatever the Lord blesses you with is what you can handle and should embrace.  Others may argue that sometimes fate makes an error and knocks on the wrong door.  So what’s the right answer?  Well folks, it all depends. Some moms are pros when it comes to children and can handle a whole brood, while others might be spread too thin in their lives and are good with only a couple of little miracles.  You know which one you are, mommies.  I'm leaning toward the ladder of the two. Children are the most wonderful gift a mom can be given, but they also come with other gifts - stretch marks, restless nights, dark-eye circles and slightly damaged bodies.  I suppose if you are completely selfless, like Michelle Duggar, none of that matters to you, but really that’s a lot of little mouths to feed and bums to wipe. I don’t know about you, but I think the Duggars are nuts! I guess their older children can help take care of the little ones though, and it would be interesting to have a grandchild and a new baby around the same age.  But really, they should stop at 20.

Sarah Mitchell

Buggy Bubbles, OC