I’m going to be gone for a few days. I’m taking a much-needed break!

I hope everyone has a lovely weekend!

Posted by Sara Diamond

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It seems every time we think we have survived the latest round with Mother Nature; she comes back at us with lightning-fast punches. 
This round came in the form of a tornado, and major flooding, both in Iowa. 

Palo, the town I grew up was evacuated, and is on lockdown.  No one is allowed in.  Folks with the National Guard are at every entrance to the town turning people away, whether they are homeowners, or potential looters.  I’m not even sure if there is anything left to loot.  Maybe the shingles.  I think that’s about all you can see.

Cedar Rapids, where I went to school and spent most of my days is also under water.  The downtown area is totally shut down.  Rescue boats drift where cars once drove.  The devastation is unbelievable.  I’m trying to wrap my brain around it, but it’s hard to internalize all of the photos I see on news websites.

I have several family members and friends who have lost everything (thankfully, my parents are still dry).  I wish there was something I could do, but for now the best thing is to pray for the people whose lives have been forever changed by the flood.

I know everyone has their problems.  Gas prices are high and we’re all trying to make ends meet.  But I’d be grateful if you could throw a few prayers and well-wishes toward the Mid-West.  Thank you!

Happier topics to come!

Posted by Sara Diamond

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Okay, let’s share some of the things that, as a parent, you can’t live without.  It can be for any age child, from birth to college-age.  Think outside the box.  It doesn’t have to be an object. 

As a parent, one of the tools I need (and at times have to remind myself to use) is PATIENCE.
Other things:
Snacks and water on hand at all times!
An extra pacifier
I’ll add more as we go.

Add yours in the comments section.  You may inspire others! 

Posted by Sara Diamond

I found this recall that breastfeeding moms may need to know about.

FDA informed consumers not to use or purchase Mommy’s Bliss Nipple Cream, marketed by MOM Enterprises, Inc., because the product contains potentially harmful ingredients that may cause respiratory distress or vomiting and diarrhea in infants. The product is promoted to nursing mothers to help soothe and heal dry or cracked nipples. Potentially harmful ingredients in the product are chlorphenesin and phenoxyethanol. Chlorphenesin relaxes skeletal muscle and can depress the central nervous system and cause slow or shallow breathing in infants. Phenoxyenthanol, a preservative that is primarily used in cosmetics and medications, can also depress the central nervous system and may cause vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration in infants. Mothers and caregivers should seek immediate medical attention if their child shows signs and symptoms of a decrease in appetite, difficulty in awakening, limpness of extremities or a decrease in an infant’s strength of grip and a change in skin color.

Read the entire 2008 MedWatch Safety Summary, including a link to the FDA News Release regarding this issue at:

http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2008/safety08.htm#Bliss

Posted by Sara Diamond

I hope everyone had a fun Memorial Day weekend.  We did a lot of outside activities, but did not get to visit a war/veterans memorial.  My husband came down with a nasty stomach bug, and we had to head home early and cancel our plans.  I’m praying it doesn’t spread to the kids, or me!

How did you celebrate the weekend?  Did you go to the lake?  Boone Lake is REALLY low this year.  I hope we get some rain.  Not during the day, though.  Wouldn’t it be nice if it could rain at night, while everyone is sleeping (or at work, for you 3rd shifters out there!), then turn nice and sunny during the day?  That way, everyone gets what they want!

Posted by Sara Diamond