Area Teacher Arrested for Soliciting A Minor

Do you know who’s interacting with your child on-line?  I received a post from one of my friends on Facebook where an area teacher this week was arrested for soliciting a minor for sex, 13 year old, on-line.  This sh** just makes my blood boil.  We simply can not trust our children on-line, in school, in sports or anywhere these days.    It’s so sad, but the reality of the world in which we live. 

The cover-up at Penn State was enough to make me cry, people just turning their heads and looking the other way while someone is abusing a child.  How do you sleep at night?  How do you get up in the morning, dress, go to work and look at someone who you know is abusing children and you do nothing.  Now it’s happening in my own backyard.  Predators!  People who we believe we can trust as role models for our children taking advantage of them.   The teacher in my area was a fourth grade teacher at an Intermediate School about a mile from me, and had been recently named as the assistant boy’s basketball coach at another Middle School in the areal.  I wonder what we could have expected there, another Jerry Sandusky? 

We as parents must see danger when it comes to our children, and our children must understand the danger of on-line predators as well as those that they will encounter in their childhood.  If you’re like me, you’re probably wondering what you should do to keep your child safe on-line.  Here’s a few tips:  

  • Talk to your child about on-line sexual predators.  They’ll probably try to convince you that they’re okay and know what’s going on, but stand firm. 
  • Improve your computer skills. and controll what your child accesses on-line.  There is parental control software on the market, download it on your family computer.  We were all children at some point, so we understand privacy, but this is your child’s life and we must protect them at all costs.    
  • Make sure you can view your child and the screen on the computer when they’re on-line.  
  • Know what sites they’re visiting, and enforce rules. 
  • Looks for gifts, money or other items that where not provided by you or grand parents.
  • Limit the amount of time your child spends on the computer if they are not doing homework or playing games.
  • Check for sexual communication, images etc. 
  • Limit the number of hours your teen/child is home alone. 

What do predators look for when in search of prey:  

  • Most find our children in chat rooms, through instant messages, email or social networking sites.  
  • They befriend and win children’s affection with gifts, being kind and giving them attention.  They are astute at knowing who to solicit.  

Unfortunately, we can’t protect our children around the clock.  Make these stories a part of your dinner conversation, so your child can understand how real predators are and if they aren’t cautious they too can become prey. 

     

    I’ll Get You – Daughter Posts Video of Family Law Judge Beating Her

    Oh modern technology!  You gotta love it.  This beautiful young lady decided to video her father who is a Family Law judge beating her with a belt and posted it on Youtube.  When I watched it, I was stunned to say the least.  It was hard to believe that anyone in this day and age would be using corporeal punishment on their child, especially a family law judge.  What made it worst was the fact that her mother was in on it. 

    This young lady has cerebral palsy, which just makes me cringe.  She was caught downloading music to her computer.  Hello, that’s what teens do.  I disciplined my daughter a hundred times when she was a teen for downloading music and virusus on the computer.  Did I resort to beating her, no. 

    During the beating with a leather belt, the judge said that he was going to beat her into submission.  Her mother told her to lay on her stomach and take it like a woman.  How sick is this?  The young lady was 16 years old.  Not only that, we as woman are suppose to allow some man to beat our ass.  I don’t think so. This is what you want to teach your daughter?

    This brilliant young lady understood abuse, and knew that her father needed help.  She also understood that abuse gets worst not better.  She hold on to the video for 7 years, and finally decided to post it last week so the public could get a glimpse of who he really was.  Why, because she said her father was now harassing her.  The judge when questioned about beating his daughter, stated that it wasn’t as bad as it looked.  He also said that he had apologized.  The mother apologized to her daughter years ago, and left the marriage.  I wonder whay?

    I’m happy to say that Judge William Adams is being investigated.  I can’t image this man making a decision about anyone’s life after seeing the video.  As of yet he hasn’t been removed from the bench, but it has been decided that a visiting judge should hear his cases until the investigation has been completed. 

    I applaud this young lady for having the courage to expose her abusive father.  She now regrets posting the video, but believes that he needs help and exposing him was the best way of pushing him into some kind of therapy.  Applause!  Applause! 

    Pregnant Mother Arrested For Unpaid Chicken Salad Sandwiches

    Shop at Safeway?  Be sure to pay for any items that you or your children have eaten while shopping.  If not, you’ll probably be sent to the slammer and your children turned over to Children Protective Services.  That’s what happened to a famished pregnant mother and her husband at a Safeway in Hawaii. 
    Yep, they slapped the cuffs on her and hubby and hauled them off to the slammer like common criminals.  Here’s the story.  The  30 week pregnant couple had recently moved to Honolulu from California.  They needed groceries and ventured off to Safeway.  While there she started to feel hungry and picked up two chicken salad sandwiches saving the wrappers so she could pay for them when she headed to the register. 
    After walking around the store and finally heading to the register, she paid for the groceries.  However, she forgot to pay for the two sandwiches.  Now any mother who has a 2 year old knows that by the time you get to the register you’re frazzled.  Forgetting to pay for the sandwiches is understandable.  You’re lucky if you can remember how to find your way back to your car in this case the bus stop.  The former Air Force Staff Sergeant paid for the groceries and headed out the store.  They were stopped and questioned about the sandwiches by security.  They were returned to the store and lead to an office.  Rather than allow the couple to pay for the sandwiches, they called the cops stating that store policy did not allow shoplifters to buy for purchases once it left the store. 
    Once the cops arrived, 4 hours later, they were read their rights.  A lady from Child Welfare took their daughter and the rest is history.  They spent the night in jail and away from their 2 year old daughter.  The baby was returned after 18 hours away from mom and dad.  Needless to say, moms across America are livid.  I mean really.  The couple paid for their groceries, so they obviously had money and didn’t need to steal.  The woman was 30 weeks pregnant, hell we’re always hungry when we’re expecting. 
    Safeway has apologized for the way the situation was handled and has promised to review their policy.   They have stated that they understand our rage.  I don’t shop at Safeway, but if I did I would be giving them a piece of my mind. 
    My advice for moms out there is to stick something that you can munch on in your purse for you and the children.  Be sure that it’s in a baggie or container.  I’ve watched moms in grocery stores open chips etc. and allow their children to eat while they’re shopping.  I’ve also watched managers walk up to them, and state that they can’t  open food while in the store.  The policy is they must pay before consuming it.  I think the situation was handled poorly, and she honestly forgot to pay when she went through the check out.  What’s most upsetting is that they hauled that poor little girl off while sending her parents to jail for $5.00 worth of sandwiches.  Do you think the situation was handled poorly?  What advice do you have for pregnant women or moms of tots who may get famished while out shopping?  Leave us a comment, we can’t wait to hear from you.
    
    
    

    Decorating A Nursery On A Budget

    budget nursery decorating

    We’re working on the nursery and I just had to give you a preview of our purchases.  We decided on a Beautiful Butterfly theme.  This is the crib that we selected for Zarriah.  This picture really doesn’t do it justice nor does it show the true color.  The stain that we chose is called Espresso Java and the crib is the Delta 5th Avenue sold by Target.  It’s actually darker than the picture, almost black.  I wasn’t sure how I felt about dark furniture in a nursery, but I’ve fallen in love with it.  We looked at numerous cribs on line, Babies R Us and countless other stores, but my SIL had his heart set on dark wood so the Espresso won out.  

    Since, Xavier’s, my 3 year old grandson’s birthday is around the corner as well as the holidays, we set a budget of $2,500 for the nursery.  We’re just about finished purchasing and so far we’re within budget.  We ordered the crib on-line from Target for about $250.00, which included shipping.  The crib is solid and receiving great reviews, so we’ve chalked this purchase up as a steal.  The crib we were looking at initially was in the $500.00 range.  We liked this one better because of the color.  It turns into a toddler bed, which is a bonus.  For $250.00 if we decide to use it as a toddler bed we really got a great deal, if not we don’t have $500.00 invested in a crib that won’t get more use. 

    decorating a nursery

    Here’s the matching changing table.  We loved the fact that this piece had 6 cubicles for storage and it was more vertical than horizontal.  The cubicles on the table will be handy for housing toiletries, wipes, blankets etc. when we’re changing the baby, and it doesn’t take up a wall because it’s horizontal.  We grabbed this piece for $170.00.  My SIL is astute at putting things together and enjoys it, so we’re saved on assembly cost for both the crib and changing table.  So far so good, right.  We found these adorable butterfly bins at Babies R Us for $10.00 each.  We purchased 6, which will replace the baskets shown.    

    We found this adorable dresser at Wayfair.  It was originally $400.00, we grabbed it for $200.00 including shipping.  We were actually looking for an armoire, and found one at Babies R Us in the price range, but unfortunately it doesn’t come in Espresso.  We loved the lines on this dresser, and at half price we couldn’t resist.  The lines are perfect with the changing table.  This dresser is actually the true color of the espresso furniture.  We need to find a mirror and a few pictures for the wall and we’ll be done. 

    baby nurseries

    We choose Valspar Dusky Lavender satin paint from Lowes at $30.00 a gallon.  With trim paint, rollers, brushes etc,. we spent $150.00 on paint and material.    

    The Butterfly bedding and accessories were $500.00, an exclusive from Babies R Us.  We selected the comforter, 2 lamps, hamper, diaper stacker, 2 valances, butterfly rug, keepsake box, sheets, bumper pad, and wall decals.  We also purchased a rocker and foot stool for $250.00.  Can’t wait to put everything together.  Stay tuned for the final pictures of the nursery.  Would you put dark furniture in your baby’s nursery?  What do you think of our Beautiful Butterfly theme.  Leave us a comment, we would love to hear from you.  

    Pull Up Your Pants!


    Teen Fashion

    Would You Purchase This Kitchen Set For Your Son?

    Would you purchase a kitchen set for your son?  My now 4 year old grandson has been asking for a kitchen set for months.  We just celebrated his birthday and purchased this adorable kitchen set for him.  He loves it, but his other set of grandparents believe kitchen sets are for girls.  The picture clearly shows a little boy on the box playing with the set, so it obviously isn’t just for little girls. 

    Please tell me why people still think this way.  Some of the best chefs in the world are men.  My grandson loves to cook.  As you can see, he’s been at it since he was 2 years old.  He’s making a spinach dip for his mommy in the picture below, who loved his creation. 

    This is Xavier whipping up brownies with grandma several months ago.  He had a great time making them and a better time eating them.  My father was a better cook than my mother when I was growing up.  Have you heard of Bobby Flay and Emeril?  Do you watch the food channel?  Ninety percent of the challengers on Iron Chef are men.  The Cake Boss is a man.  I’m just saying, lol. 

    It’s so sad that we have people in the world who still think this way.  What frightens me is what they’re teaching him when he spends time with them.  My daughter spoke up, and make it clear that she will not have her son taught 50’s views and values.  Whether he wants to be a chef or fly jets will be up to him.  If he turns out to be gay, so be it.  He will be loved just the sameI was so proud of her.   It’s this kind of narrow minded thinking that generates prejudice in the world. 

    We purchased this set at Toy R Us and it is the bomb.  It is made by Lifestyle Legacy.  A little pricey, but well worth the price.  The colors are fun and features a sink, swivel faucet, 2 burners with clicking knobs and a cutting board.  It even has a cell phone for take out orders or chatting with grandma while fixing dinner, lol.  It also includes an oven, microwave, refrigerator with water dispenser, coffee pot, storage bins, dishes, shakers, pots and pan and the list goes on.  It has everything a little chef needs to cook a great meal including a pot holder, and it will provide opportunity for him to use his imagination.  Isn’t that an important part of development for a child regardless of whether they are boy or girl?  We even received a free 85-piece food set with the purchase.  It was the perfect gift for him. 

    We see this set providing hours of entertainment for his little friends who are visiting with mommy and daddy, and we’re sure Zarriah will love using it when she gets older too.  It’s a breeze to clean, and assembled quickly.  Don’t forget the batteries.  The clicking of the burners is a big part of the cooking process.   If you’re in the market, you should add this kitchen set to your list of toys to check out.  You little one would be thrilled if Santa puts one of these babies on his sled.  I highly recommend it. 

    Teaching a Preemie How to Nurse From a Bottle

    I wanted to let my readers know that my little Zarriah is up to 4 lbs.  2 ozs.  Quite a milestone for us.  My daughter is attempting to bottle feed her for the first time in this picture.  She needs to learn how to suck and keep her milk down.  This is a task that she would have learned during the last month in the womb.  Once she masters this task, we will be well on our way to gaining that last pound needed to go home. 

    In addition to learning to nurse from the bottle, she also needs to maintain her body temperature outside the incubator, pass the car seat test and maintain a steady heart rate.  So we still have a few milestones to accomplish. 

    The first attempt at bottle feeding was a little overwhelming for her.  We’re hoping she will relate to sucking her pacifier, which she loves, and she will get the hang of things quickly.  The hospital she’s in, is ranked as one of the best in the country for nursing preemies.  They’ve actually had a speech therapist working with my daughter and Zarriah to help with the sucking processing.  Is that not amazing?  You wonder how they can teach a baby this small to do anything, but they can. 

    We’re thrilled that Zarriah is allowed to wear her own onesies and tees now, but I’m having a time finding preemie clothes.  If you know a site or store where we can find cute onesies for her, please let me know.  If you have experience with a preemie, I would love to hear from you.  Please leave me a comment. 

    We Have A New Baby On The Way

    I’m so excited, I have to share my news with you.  We have a new baby on the way!  My daughter is expecting, and Mama will be shopping up a storm over the next months preparing for the new arrival.  The due date is 11/11/11, how cool is that.  My daughter has decided that she doesn’t want to know the sex of the baby this time around.  We’ll be decorating and purchasing everything in neutral colors, yellows, greens, beige etc. 

    For more blog parenting, don’t miss what’s happening on Mother 2 Mother blog. 

    Mariah Carey’s Nursery

    I had to share this celebrity nursery.  It’s a picture of Mariah Carey’s nursery for her soon to be twins.  Is it not adorable!  I would have never thought to use this shade of green in a nursery, but it makes the cream pop.  Mariah and Nick are expecting a boy and girl.  I love how she incorporated neutral colors instead of the usual pink and blue that we’re so stuck on.  The small touches of pink and blue are just enough.  Just in case you can’t see it, there are touches of blue in a vase and stuffed animal on the far right.  Most of us wouldn’t be able to duplicate this nursery; however, their may be certain ideas that could be used in the homes of us ordinary folks. 

    I love the off white furniture.  Furniture in this tone could be reused if a family decides to have additional children.  If it turns into a toddler bed, that even makes it better.   For more information on Mariah’s nursery, pick up a copy of Life & Style magazaine. 

    Tom Hanks Take on Toddlers and Tiaras

    As my readers know, I’m not a fan of children being in beauty pageants. I’ve watched several episodes of Toddlers and Tiaras and quite frankly found it appalling.  I have a problem with parents spray painting tans on children,  making them up to look like painted dolls, and than claiming they’re doing it all for the child..  Do I have stupid tattooed on my forehead?  If you can find the tattoo, I’ll accept that it’s all being done for their daughter.  

    Anyway, I came across this video with Tom Hanks and his take on parents and the Toddlers and Tiaras show while watching Jimmy Kimmel.  Tom Hanks is one of my favorite actors, so watching his take on pageants just made my day.  He is brilliant in the video.  Also, the little girl shown in the video is an actress, she is not Tom Hank’s daughter.  Hope you enjoy the video.