http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/madkow2747/ en-us  Ha... sounds like my list... but you forgot.... #8 - Does this thing make noise? #9 -  How many batteries is this thing going to eat in a month?   I know I have the same concerns about spoiling my kids... but I also think it is important to let "Daddy" spoil them a little. The kids are with me all the time, so I think my husband feels like he never gets to do the fun stuff with them or give them new things. I buy the clothes, the food, the crayons, take them to the library, etc. So, it's fun for him to be able to bring home a new toy once in a while, or take them shopping for a little something "just because".  So, I'm glad you guys got the lawnmower..... even if it does make music! Ha! http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/madkow2747//#c_203193 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/madkow2747//#c_203193  Ha... sounds like my list... but you forgot.... #8 - Does this thing make noise? #9 -  How many batteries is this thing going to eat in a month?   I know I have the same concerns about spoiling my kids... but I also think it is important to let "Daddy" spoil them a little. The kids are with me all the time, so I think my husband feels like he never gets to do the fun stuff with them or give them new things. I buy the clothes, the food, the crayons, take them to the library, etc. So, it's fun for him to be able to bring home a new toy once in a while, or take them shopping for a little something "just because".  So, I'm glad you guys got the lawnmower..... even if it does make music! Ha! Okay, I'll admit that my husband & I take great delight in finding the most noisy & obnoxious toys available to give to our nephew. He & his mom live several hours away. We're evil, I tells ya! ;-) http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/madkow2747//#c_203388 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/madkow2747//#c_203388 Okay, I'll admit that my husband & I take great delight in finding the most noisy & obnoxious toys available to give to our nephew. He & his mom live several hours away. We're evil, I tells ya! ;-) I hear you on this one.......I also think........ #10. Are there to many pieces to this thing? Will half of this get lost and then no longer work? #11. What image is this toy portraying to my kids?? For instance.......I refuse to by my daughter any Bratz dolls! She has asked me if she can buy one when she turns 36. I agreed. lol #12. Will this toy make them use their imagination? I don't like video games, hand held or otherwise. #13. Will this come out of carpets, clothes, and off of walls? I know there are more, but they just aren't coming to me at the moment. It actually makes it really hard to shop for toys. lol I'm ok with that. Sometimes I feel bad that they don't have what all the other kids have, but I get over it very quickly. :)   http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/madkow2747//#c_203469 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/madkow2747//#c_203469 I hear you on this one.......I also think........ #10. Are there to many pieces to this thing? Will half of this get lost and then no longer work? #11. What image is this toy portraying to my kids?? For instance.......I refuse to by my daughter any Bratz dolls! She has asked me if she can buy one when she turns 36. I agreed. lol #12. Will this toy make them use their imagination? I don't like video games, hand held or otherwise. #13. Will this come out of carpets, clothes, and off of walls? I know there are more, but they just aren't coming to me at the moment. It actually makes it really hard to shop for toys. lol I'm ok with that. Sometimes I feel bad that they don't have what all the other kids have, but I get over it very quickly. :)    #14. How much fun can mom and dad have playing with this toy? #15 Are we going to have to add an addition to house all these toys at the size they are? It's also about time to catch us up on what the cutie is doing and post a new picture!  http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/madkow2747//#c_206467 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/madkow2747//#c_206467  #14. How much fun can mom and dad have playing with this toy? #15 Are we going to have to add an addition to house all these toys at the size they are? It's also about time to catch us up on what the cutie is doing and post a new picture!   Hmm... a catch up, huh?  Let me think of all the things he has been doing (as he shreds a magazine beneath my chair at this very moment, lol!)  He stands by himself for quite a while, but hasn't attempted that first step yet.  We walks very well as long as someone holds his hand.  He almost has "Mama"!  He usually only says it when he's upset though.  He has learned to pull off his socks- I tell my husband it's hopeless to try to get him to keep them on. The funniest thing is that he's become such a helper!  When I take clothes out of the dryer, he takes them from the basket and puts them back in the dryer.  He also likes to help me push the laundry basket through the house.  And I found out that he's a total pyro... I was putting some paper into the fire to get it going and up comes this little hand- he puts a paper in, but it's in so precariously that it's about to fall out (on fire).  So I'm trying to get the paper in all the way, and he's already putting more paper in which is also catching on fire... I need 3 hands!!!  He's banned from the fireplace now- just outright banned. Ah, and the recent incident outside.  I let him play in the backyard while I work out there, and I came around the corner to find him in his usual spot by the water spigot.  (I think he likes all the mud- what a boy!)  He had found a stick and was sucking on it (not uncommon) so I went to take it away from him... then it turns out to be a worm!  He was giggling because it was squirming all around in his hand, then he'd take it and suck on it a little... I didn't even know what to say!  I just put the worm back on the ground and left it at "Don't eat worms." http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/madkow2747//#c_206884 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/madkow2747//#c_206884  Hmm... a catch up, huh?  Let me think of all the things he has been doing (as he shreds a magazine beneath my chair at this very moment, lol!)  He stands by himself for quite a while, but hasn't attempted that first step yet.  We walks very well as long as someone holds his hand.  He almost has "Mama"!  He usually only says it when he's upset though.  He has learned to pull off his socks- I tell my husband it's hopeless to try to get him to keep them on. The funniest thing is that he's become such a helper!  When I take clothes out of the dryer, he takes them from the basket and puts them back in the dryer.  He also likes to help me push the laundry basket through the house.  And I found out that he's a total pyro... I was putting some paper into the fire to get it going and up comes this little hand- he puts a paper in, but it's in so precariously that it's about to fall out (on fire).  So I'm trying to get the paper in all the way, and he's already putting more paper in which is also catching on fire... I need 3 hands!!!  He's banned from the fireplace now- just outright banned. Ah, and the recent incident outside.  I let him play in the backyard while I work out there, and I came around the corner to find him in his usual spot by the water spigot.  (I think he likes all the mud- what a boy!)  He had found a stick and was sucking on it (not uncommon) so I went to take it away from him... then it turns out to be a worm!  He was giggling because it was squirming all around in his hand, then he'd take it and suck on it a little... I didn't even know what to say!  I just put the worm back on the ground and left it at "Don't eat worms."  haha ahhh the rules of motherhood...ya gotta love it! (especially rule number #8!) :) the best part of it is being a mom is finding the "perfect" toy and finding out your child either will not use it or will not use it as it's intended to be used or as you imagined http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/madkow2747//#c_208533 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/madkow2747//#c_208533  haha ahhh the rules of motherhood...ya gotta love it! (especially rule number #8!) :) the best part of it is being a mom is finding the "perfect" toy and finding out your child either will not use it or will not use it as it's intended to be used or as you imagined  I always ask what toy(s) will look like scattered throughout the house (as it must blend with the other toys) and what will it feel like when I step on it in the middle of the night.  Legos tops and jacks are the best for bare feet! http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/madkow2747//#c_210057 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/madkow2747//#c_210057  I always ask what toy(s) will look like scattered throughout the house (as it must blend with the other toys) and what will it feel like when I step on it in the middle of the night.  Legos tops and jacks are the best for bare feet!  oochild.. lol   You are indeed evil.  I knew there was a reason I like you. I used to, (because I don't see them very often), buy expensive tech toys for my nieces and nephew.  I have learned that they either lose or break these tech toys very fast , and that aunt Sparks was an idiot. lol  I have copied this list including number 8 and 9 for future reference. thanks...good post http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/madkow2747//#c_210086 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/madkow2747//#c_210086  oochild.. lol   You are indeed evil.  I knew there was a reason I like you. I used to, (because I don't see them very often), buy expensive tech toys for my nieces and nephew.  I have learned that they either lose or break these tech toys very fast , and that aunt Sparks was an idiot. lol  I have copied this list including number 8 and 9 for future reference. thanks...good post   Toy's??   Don't they just usually end up playing with the boxes and wrapping more anyway?  ;) http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/madkow2747//#c_210988 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/madkow2747//#c_210988   Toy's??   Don't they just usually end up playing with the boxes and wrapping more anyway?  ;) I have one question; Why does it not occour to any one that she let her baby near an open flame?? hello, Watch your baby closely and always always protect your children from any possible hazards.   http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/madkow2747//#c_239286 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/madkow2747//#c_239286 I have one question; Why does it not occour to any one that she let her baby near an open flame?? hello, Watch your baby closely and always always protect your children from any possible hazards.   Now come on ConcernedMommy.  Anyone who have been reading these blogs knows that madkow is a new mom.  And new parents make mistakes.  Show me one parent that doesn't have a story on "Well I'll better next time" or even "what the heck was I thinking".  Things look good on paper, but in real life it can become hectic and all around chaotic.  Now if she would have said "Well, I let me keep and doing and when he burns himself he'll learn not to do it".  That I would be concerned about.  And mind you, I am a very protective parent.  I still don't let my oldest son drink from a Jack in the Box straw because when he was 18 mths old he fell on one and almost literally poked his eye out.  He is eight now.  Now this just happened to me yesterday and maybe I am an hazard of a mom.  My husband left quickly with a friend last night and didn't close the front gate.  He was coming right back.  Well, I got up and went to the bathroom and when I got out (I only went #1) I didn't see my 2 year old.  I looked out the window and he was just about ready to step out onto the street.  He had put on his brother's shoes (his brother is 8) opened the door, then opened the storm door, went down 5 steps, and out the front gate which is probably 7 car lengths from the door (I'm not good with measurements).  All while I was going pee.  Daddy went out the door and he was following him.  Needless to say I just reacted.  I went running, in my slippers, forcefully going out the door, broke the storm door, jumped the stairs and landed kissing the ground.  I jumped and ran and grabbed my son.  Swatted him on his butt with my hand (yes to all of you who don't believe in spanking, I did it), then I hugged and and picture the worst in my mind.  On the way back to house I started getting some shooting pains.  I had ended up twisting my ankle, cutting up and twisting my knee (i have a bad knee normally), and scratching up the bottom of my forearm from my elbow to my wrist.  My husband was back in 5 minutes with me icing everything and putting bandages on things.  So, my point being is was I wrong for going to the bathroom while me 2 year old was unattended?  Although I have done it  a million times before?  Probably so.  But will I do it again, NO!  In hindsight do I know better, yes.  Now mind you, I am the person who won't let their kid go to someones house unless I check it out first, or won't let him ride a bike or skateboard without full gear.  I am the one who does back ground checks on any teachers or day care workers.  I am the one who won't let my 8 year old wait for the bus unless I am outside.  I am the one who gets nervous and starts pacing when the school but is 5 minutes late.  I am the one who will take my son to school if I get a funny feeling in the morning or pick him up.  So I am not a "Aw, just let them be" type of a parent.  But sh*t happens.  http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/madkow2747//#c_239545 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/madkow2747//#c_239545 Now come on ConcernedMommy.  Anyone who have been reading these blogs knows that madkow is a new mom.  And new parents make mistakes.  Show me one parent that doesn't have a story on "Well I'll better next time" or even "what the heck was I thinking".  Things look good on paper, but in real life it can become hectic and all around chaotic.  Now if she would have said "Well, I let me keep and doing and when he burns himself he'll learn not to do it".  That I would be concerned about.  And mind you, I am a very protective parent.  I still don't let my oldest son drink from a Jack in the Box straw because when he was 18 mths old he fell on one and almost literally poked his eye out.  He is eight now.  Now this just happened to me yesterday and maybe I am an hazard of a mom.  My husband left quickly with a friend last night and didn't close the front gate.  He was coming right back.  Well, I got up and went to the bathroom and when I got out (I only went #1) I didn't see my 2 year old.  I looked out the window and he was just about ready to step out onto the street.  He had put on his brother's shoes (his brother is 8) opened the door, then opened the storm door, went down 5 steps, and out the front gate which is probably 7 car lengths from the door (I'm not good with measurements).  All while I was going pee.  Daddy went out the door and he was following him.  Needless to say I just reacted.  I went running, in my slippers, forcefully going out the door, broke the storm door, jumped the stairs and landed kissing the ground.  I jumped and ran and grabbed my son.  Swatted him on his butt with my hand (yes to all of you who don't believe in spanking, I did it), then I hugged and and picture the worst in my mind.  On the way back to house I started getting some shooting pains.  I had ended up twisting my ankle, cutting up and twisting my knee (i have a bad knee normally), and scratching up the bottom of my forearm from my elbow to my wrist.  My husband was back in 5 minutes with me icing everything and putting bandages on things.  So, my point being is was I wrong for going to the bathroom while me 2 year old was unattended?  Although I have done it  a million times before?  Probably so.  But will I do it again, NO!  In hindsight do I know better, yes.  Now mind you, I am the person who won't let their kid go to someones house unless I check it out first, or won't let him ride a bike or skateboard without full gear.  I am the one who does back ground checks on any teachers or day care workers.  I am the one who won't let my 8 year old wait for the bus unless I am outside.  I am the one who gets nervous and starts pacing when the school but is 5 minutes late.  I am the one who will take my son to school if I get a funny feeling in the morning or pick him up.  So I am not a "Aw, just let them be" type of a parent.  But sh*t happens.  The first time I went to Toys R Us, it was amazing to see so many aisles of stuff piled high to the ceiling (dolls as far as the eye could see).  When I finish typing this, you will clearly realize that I am much older than you all and there were no stores of this type when I was a child.  Way back when, we played "Store" and my grandfather made a small kitchen for me out of cardboard boxes, my favorite was the stove, which was safe.  Also, making mud pies was big fun, don't remember any worms in the mix (LOL).  Roller skates were a sight to see; you put them on over your shoes and used a key to keep it all together, which didn't work out that well . . . But we did it and survived it all, drinking from the garden hose that am sure had some terrible ingredient, with Green #7, or whatever they called it back then (LOL) . I didn't walk 5 miles in the snow to get to school, nor did I have a bad childhood; most of the stuff we did involved riding our bikes and we had to be home before dark; am sure some of you out there remember that rule.  However, today there are way too many scary things happening; this did not happen overnight, where were all the goofy people, way back when ~ They were probably out there, but the news didn't travel that fast, way back then (in the covered wagon days, just kidding) . . .  We also didn't have to worry about MySpace, YouTube, Facebook, etc., and didn't have to worry about using our cell phones (they were not invented in the 1950's) and we got along just fine. They still sell "Jacks" in the stores, so some things still remain the same; who needs all those toys; I realize I am dating myself, but simple was and is good, then and now.   http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/madkow2747//#c_239553 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/madkow2747//#c_239553 The first time I went to Toys R Us, it was amazing to see so many aisles of stuff piled high to the ceiling (dolls as far as the eye could see).  When I finish typing this, you will clearly realize that I am much older than you all and there were no stores of this type when I was a child.  Way back when, we played "Store" and my grandfather made a small kitchen for me out of cardboard boxes, my favorite was the stove, which was safe.  Also, making mud pies was big fun, don't remember any worms in the mix (LOL).  Roller skates were a sight to see; you put them on over your shoes and used a key to keep it all together, which didn't work out that well . . . But we did it and survived it all, drinking from the garden hose that am sure had some terrible ingredient, with Green #7, or whatever they called it back then (LOL) . I didn't walk 5 miles in the snow to get to school, nor did I have a bad childhood; most of the stuff we did involved riding our bikes and we had to be home before dark; am sure some of you out there remember that rule.  However, today there are way too many scary things happening; this did not happen overnight, where were all the goofy people, way back when ~ They were probably out there, but the news didn't travel that fast, way back then (in the covered wagon days, just kidding) . . .  We also didn't have to worry about MySpace, YouTube, Facebook, etc., and didn't have to worry about using our cell phones (they were not invented in the 1950's) and we got along just fine. They still sell "Jacks" in the stores, so some things still remain the same; who needs all those toys; I realize I am dating myself, but simple was and is good, then and now.   DonMar, I think you and I are of the same generation. I wrote a blog a few months back about lost childhood. Simple is good. Being able to use imagination is good. Just being a kid (the shortest period of our lifetime) is good. Now I see on the news this morning that girls as young as 6 are being taken to day spas for facials, chemical peels, waxing (even bikini!), eyebrowing plucking, massages. What is wrong with these mothers?  http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/madkow2747//#c_240196 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/madkow2747//#c_240196 DonMar, I think you and I are of the same generation. I wrote a blog a few months back about lost childhood. Simple is good. Being able to use imagination is good. Just being a kid (the shortest period of our lifetime) is good. Now I see on the news this morning that girls as young as 6 are being taken to day spas for facials, chemical peels, waxing (even bikini!), eyebrowing plucking, massages. What is wrong with these mothers?