Safety First...

http://myteachermrsz.wikispaces.com/Classroom+Expectations

 

Car seats, outlet covers, bouncy balls, toilet seat locks, etc...these are some of the many things parents will constantly stress about and all of these things seem obvious to the "safety first" rule. I consider myself vigilante when it comes to throwing away bouncy balls, making sure outlets are covered, car seats are installed securely and medicines are locked away, etc. One thing I completely forgot about was ID my children with serious health problems. Honestly, I'm not sure how it slipped my mind for so long. Most likely it's because I only leave my kids with friends and family, but today while speaking with my mom about Gage's allergies I realized that I need to make sure that his medical conditions are known to everyone who cares for him. I found these great bracelets (okay I found a ton of awesome ones, but they picked the plain ones) which let you document all of your child's allergies and medical conditions on an insert and they are kept inside the waterproof bracelet for easy reference. There are so many different medical ID jewelry to choose from that the task can be daunting.

Gavin chose this bracelet

Medical ID Jewelry/Identification:

• Necklaces
• Bracelets
• Watches
• ID cards
• Clothing
• Stickers
• Medical Alarms
• Charms
• Tattoos
• Even wearable flash drives with patient history (who knew right?!?!?)

Not to mention, that once you decide on what type you want there are many things to consider when purchasing one  for your child.

Other things to consider:

Gage chose this bracelet

• Sizing 
• Fabric
• Colors
• Ability to change information/update
• Membership fees
• Should they be able to remove it themselves or only you?
• Engraved
• Embroidered
• Metal
• Can it be worn during sports, bath, etc.
• Comfortable
• Latex free
• Nickel free (if metal)
• Let them have a say in what they want or not
• Cost

The list could go on and on.  I decided on the type (bracelet) and then picked several styles that had the necessary characteristics I was looking for (ability to change, cost, kid friendly, unable to be removed by young child, waterproof). I allowed the boys to have the final say in color and design. Hopefully, this will make them having to wear it less of a battle and more exciting. After all, their safety is my first priority...their happiness is second.

Noteworthy

Angel or Devil...A sweet note sets the right track!

I love notes...especially those sweet little love notes my mom used to send in my lunch box when I was little. So, I took a new twist on an old tradition because my guys spill everything and I got sick and tired of cleaning up dissolved post-it notes out of their bags. This way is tons more fun and is super easy!

Supplies:
Mirror  (windows work too!)
Dry Erase Markers
Creativity (...yes you have some in there ;)

Directions:
1.) Pick a mirror
2.) Pick a Person
3.) Write a note and make them feel special today.

Most of all "Just Because" is the best reason <3

Fostering Love...not Hate

Open your home, Open your Heart!

I know that most of my blog posts are about crafts, recipes or just basic kid wrangling techniques, but I really feel the need to get something huge off of my chest. Welcome one and all to my venting therapy session. My family and I recently welcomed two very special foster children into our home. They're adventure with us was brief and beautiful. If I said that it was super easy, I'd be lying. If I said that I have no regrets, I'd also be lying. If I said that I learned so much about life, friends, family and the system, that would be the understatement of the century. I guess I'm quiet naive because I truly thought that I wouldn't feel any prejudice when we decided to become foster parents. We were warned, but I scoffed at the thought thinking that I was somehow immune to the racism that foster parents before me endured.
  Don't get me wrong. I expected the obvious questions like "Those can't be all yours?!" Which I answered as politely as possible when all I really wanted to say was "Actually, Yes!" and watch why they mathematically try to figure it all out. I also expected the looks...not to say that I don't get those anyways. For those of you who know our family, my children are mini clones of my husband with little assistance from my gene pool...most people think I'm the nanny. Needless to say, the looks never bothered me and I hardly noticed them.
  So you're asking, "what bothered you then?"  The thing that bothered me most about this whole experience is how people classify the children. I swear when I hear people refer to them as "those" children, I want to gouge out their eyes! REALLY!!! What do you mean "those" children? I truly wished they meant "those poor traumatized children," or "those horribly terrified children." Sadly no. I hate to say it, but these comments were geared towards labeling my foster children as "unworthy." When is a child ever not worthy of love, attention, safety and nurturing? They did absolutely nothing to get placed into the system. It was people responsible for their health, safety and well being that have caused them to live the nightmare of being ripped from loved ones arms and forced to stay in a complete strangers home. Please don't get me wrong, the loved one most likely was causing harm one way or another to the child and therefore, this necessitates the children be moved to a healthy environment. All children, not just privileged children, deserve and need a safe place to make sure all of their physical and emotional needs are met. This statement seems so obvious to me and yet here I am listening to self righteous, selfish people insinuate that I'm wasting my time loving them.
  Understanding the true tragedy of children being mistreated has opened my heart, mind and home to "those" children. We are so truly blessed to have them with us, even if for a short time. They have taught us how to appreciate all of the little things like food on the table, laughter, hugs, friendship,family and most importantly, the capability of the heart to love endlessly.